The City of Demopolis has received a funds through the state’s settlement with BP that stemmed from damages caused by the Deep Water Horizon oil spill in 2010.
According to Demopolis Mayor Mike Grayson, the city was awarded $148,000 as its share of the settlement. He said the money was received August 17 and placed into a cash deposit.
The mayor also reported to the city council during a meeting on Sept. 3 that tax revenues for the month of July showed the city collected over 10 percent more tax dollars than in July 2014. He said the tax revenue for the city was also up from the previous month and for the year.
“There are not a lot of communities who can report positive things like that at this time,” Grayson said.
The council has also received a copy of the city’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2015-16. The budget is proposed by the city’s finance committee and will be taken into consideration for a vote at the next council meeting planned for Thursday, Sept. 17, at 5:15 p.m. The budget, if passed, would go into effect on Oct. 1.
The council continues to wrestle with access from Roman Alley to McNamara Street. A quarry in that area is concerned about extending Roman Alley, citing increased foot traffic and children on bikes could be a safety issue.
Roman Alley is very narrow and dead ends, leading to traffic issues. Some residents have asked for speed bumps, but some members of the council questioned whether that would eliminate the problem.
Grayson said the council had two options for the street: construct a culdesac to help vehicles turn around or connect Roman Alley to either Pettus or Field streets.
The council opted to move forward with the residents’ request for a speed bump while they also pursue other options to meet the needs of those who live in the area.
Other items discussed by the council included:
• considered a request from the Retirement Systems of Alabama to provide a lump payment to be given to the city’s retired employees. The total amount to be given is $17,400.
The council appeared split on the issue. A motion by Bill Meador to deny the request died from the lack of a second and the following motion to accept and make the payment, made by Cleveland Cole and seconded by Charles Jones, failed to pass by a 2-2 vote.
• making an appointment to the city’s park and recreation board. The position became open due to a recent resignation. The council agreed to table the item until the next council meeting.
• City Attorney William Poole provided a report to the council on dilapidated housing.