The Winston County Journal

The Louisville Board of Aldermen covered a lengthy amount of city business in its last three regular meetings.

Sept. 16 meeting- Discussed Library and other topics.

€ Beth Edwards of the Winston County Library updated the board on several library projects and a recent grant. The recent grant allowed the library to purchase learning packets for children that can be signed out by parents to help tutor their children. Edwards also suggested the board examine the insurance policy for the library to save some money and improve coverage. The board later discussed the matter and tabled until all the numbers and coverage could be fully reviewed.

€ The aldermen approved two recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Board. The first approved was a temporary variance for a mobile home on Hemlock Street. The second approval was for a home copy business to be allowed on East Academy.

€ The board approved the use of wireless communication funds to pay for cell phones used by the police department.

€ The board approved the contract request from Southern Waste Disposal to increase payments by 5.6 percent. City Engineer Kenny Morris noted that the increase in payment to Southern Waste will not increase garbage collection fees to customers.

€ The board denied a request to increase the mileage reimbursement for employees. The present mileage rate is set at 50.05˘

€ Mayor Daniel "Moe" Yarbrough recommended that City Engineer Kenny Morris begin training persons to learn his duties in case he retires in the next few years.

€ Larry Dickens of the Boys and Girls Club made a presentation to the city seeking their support in future endeavors. (See related article Boys and Girls Club making progress in next week's edition.)

€ The board added two housed to the list of homes needing to be cleaned up due to present danger caused.

€ The board held two executive session to discuss possible litigation and economic development. In the first matter, no action was taken by the board and board attorney Taylor Tucker was instructed to contact the person in writing concerning the matter. In the economic development matter, no action was taken.

€ The board discussed Richard Barret's of the Nationalist Movement two letters to the city. City leaders encouraged no one attend the rally and noted city attorney would send a parade permit to the group to fill out if they wanted a street closed or if they wanted to march.

Sept 2 meeting-Budget Adopted

With much time invested into it, the city in the September 2 meeting adopted the upcoming year budget and an increase in millage.

The city leaders increased the millage for the city by 1.33 mils. The combined tax levy for the city and Louisville Municipal Schools is 64.83 mils. The city levy is 13.63 mils for the city's general fund and 1 mil for the cemetery fund. The school's millage is 50.20 with 47.2 for District Maintenance and 3 mils for the schools debt service. The school district increased roughly 5 mils this year over last year.

When questioned city engineer Kenny Morris estimated the average person would see about $10 increase on their taxes in the city.

Even with the millage increase, the city leaders aimed for a lean budget and cut many items in the budget to adhere to projected tighter numbers.

"I know you (city department heads) have cut to the bottom and we appreciate it," stated Judy McLeod.

"We may have cut it too hard," noted Mayor Daniel "Moe" Yarbrough who pointed out cuts in the police department and other areas.

"This is the tightest budget I have had anything to do with," noted alderwoman Francis Ball.

The proposed budget for general government shows a projected deficit of $107,000 for the city.

€ The board also approved collecting the Louisville Municipal School Taxes in the city for a 5 percent collection fee. The city raised the collection fee from 4.25 percent to the maximum allowed of 5 percent. The city is projected to receive $107,500 in collection fees.

In other business:

€ Approved the docket of claims for $91,527.47.

€ Recognized the 7 scouts from Louisville Troop Five in the audience for work on merit badges.

€ Approved the present coverage and deductible from Blue Cross Blue Shield for employees health insurance. The insurance would retain the same coverage but has a 20 percent rate increase noted Roland Byrd, an insurance representative. The aldermen questioned the head of each department about the employees concerns prior to approving the present coverage.

€ Approved purchase of 350 At Home magazines from the Winston County Journal and placement of free ad.

€ Approved subleasing county building at Lovorn Tractor for use during elections.

€ Approved request for Chief of Police L.M. Claiborne to attend along with shift leaders a free seminar in Columbus.

€ Discussed numerous properties that need addressing by the city as a community danger.

In the August 26 meeting, the aldermen:

€ Approved a revised Historic Preservation ordinance which limited the Historic area in Louisville to areas near Park Street and Columbus Street.

"It is easier to add later on than to take off," noted Alderman Dickie Caperton. "This will get one started."

€ Approved final payment on improving the airport project.