During a recent council meeting, Mayor Phil Powell reminded council members that Tuesday, Feb. 24 is the last day for the council to change the salaries for those who will be elected in August 2004. Currently, the mayor’s position, which is a part-time position, pays $600 per month and the city council positions pay $300 per month each. These figures have been in place since 1988.
Councilman Glenn Chandler pointed out that Centre, with the exception of the Cherokee County Commission, has one of the biggest budgets of any municipality in the city and that government officials are having increasing responsibility. He particularly felt the salary for the mayor‘s position should be raised since the mayor probably spends more time at city hall than the other council members and keeps the rest of the council members informed as to what is taking place in the city.
The council will consider the matter further at its next meeting.
The council voted to give Centre Police Chief Val Courtney authority to search for a good used vehicle for his department. The department is in dire need of vehicles, Courtney said. The city approved two new police cars in its fiscal budget for 2003-2004, which will be purchased on state bid. This other vehicle will be in addition to these cars. Currently under consideration is a 2002 model with low mileage.
The city voted to pay off the loan on its newest fire truck. Total balance due, Powell said, is around $150,000 and Centre’s loan agreement is 4.8 percent. Powell pointed out that the city’s CDs and money market accounts are at such low rates that the council would save a significant amount by paying off this loan.
On another fire department matter, the council is considering options for replacing one of its fire trucks, which is now out of commission. In a previous meeting, the council voted to allow a Morgan City, Ala. company to repair the fire truck, which was involved in a wreck a few months ago at a cost of around $22,000. This same company also rents fire trucks and other vehicles, Powell said, at a cost of $2,000 to $2,500 per month. The company estimated it would take about 10 weeks to repair the truck, considering the time involved in getting the necessary parts.
The council will consider the matter further at a later date.
The council also met with Vickie Moon, court referral officer for the Cherokee County Alcoholism/Substance Abuse Council, who inquired about the possibility of doing drug screens for city employees. She will check with the city at a later date after the city checks into the DOT requirements.
Powell informed council members that Dekalb-Cherokee Gas has purchased the former Goodyear Tire Building on Main Street in Centre in which the company plans to locate its new local office.
In other business, the council:
*heard a proposal from Cintas to provide t-shirts or uniforms for Centre employees.
*adopted a proposal recognizing Feb. 22-28 as Arbor Week.
*voted to award a bid on surplus fencing to Charles Poe for $75
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