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The Demopolis City Council is eyeing a possible purchase of about 120 acres of property.

The council voted unanimously to enter into a six-month purchase option for property located in the area of south of Hwy. 80 and west of Maria Avenue.

The city will pay a monthly fee throughout the option agreement as it determines whether to move forward with the purchase. The amount paid as part of the option would be deducted from the total cost if the council chooses to purchase the acreage. 

Other items discussed by the council included:

• approving a motion to request the Demopolis Water Works Board to seek bids for the stabilization and painting for a water tank located near the Demopolis City Landing and Civic Center on Commissioners Avenue. The DWWB has already secured a bid for demolition. City officials have expressed an interest in restoring the structure. Officials with the Marengo County Historical Society have spoken to the council about saving the tower, possibly using it as a recreation area.

• re-appointing Gary Malone to the city’s park and recreation board as well as appointing Seth Allgood to a vacated seat.

• appointing Diane Brooker to serve on the board of directors for the Marengo County Economic Development Authority.

• Mayor John Laney reading a proclamation in awareness of January being Human Trafficking Awareness +Month.

• approving an annual purchase of cancer insurance for firefighters at a cost of $4,950. Purchase of the insurance is a requirement for municipalities following a state law signed by Governor Kay Ivey earlier this year.

The next Demopolis City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 2, 5:15 p.m. at Rooster Hall.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, December 25 issue of the Demopolis Times.)