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The City of Demopolis will suspend its lodging tax for the remainder of the year following a vote by the city council.

According to Mayor John Laney, local hotel owners approached the city regarding the lodging tax suspension as a way of them through the coronavirus shutdown.

The suspension will be backdated to March 1 and continue through Dec. 31. The tax will be reinstated on Jan. 1 if the council does not take further action.

The council also discussed a proposed contract with Alabama Power to replace light poles along Hwy. 80. An option to place LED lighting was also discussed. No action was taken as councilmembers requested more time to explore costs and possible grants for funding the project.

Other items discussed included the following.

• The council approved a $30,000 CARES grant to benefit the Demopolis Airport. Airport Director Jason Pendergrass said the funds would be used for operations. No matching funds are required through the CARES grant.
• City Clerk Sam Gross reported that she would provide at the next meeting a list of possible polling places for each district of the city. She said polls would need to be confirmed by May 25.
• Councilman Harris Nelson reported that the Demopolis Board of Education term currently filled by Olen Kerby would soon expire. He asked councilmembers to consider any possible nominees for the seat, but added that Kerby has served only one term and is eligible for re-appointment.
• Councilman Bill Meador asked that citizens be reminded of the city’s golf cart ordinance, stating he has seen children driving golf carts in the city. Councilman Cleveland Cole agreed, stating he also has seen under-aged, none-licensed drivers behind the wheels of golf carts. All golf carts being driving on city streets must be driven by a licensed driver, be insured and meet other street-vehicle standards such as seat belts and lighting.