Piedmont Fire Chief Mike Ledbetter has some great news for the Piedmont City Council and city residents during Tuesday night’s meeting of the city council. He informed the council that the Piedmont Fire Department’s Insurance Services Offices (ISO) rating would improve from a Class 5 to a Class 4, effective August 1st of this year.What this means for city residents is that property owners who live within 5 miles of the fire station and 1000 feet of a fire hydrant will see their insurance rates decrease.
Ledbetter also informed the council that the department has been awarded a FEMA grant in the amount of $85,000, which will help in the purchase of much needed air packs. Also, the department has received a second donation of smoke detectors from State Farm Insurance Company.
In a 4-3 vote, the council appointed Shannon Ray to the Piedmont City School Board. Council Members Ben Keller, Mary Bramblett, Kenny Kelley, and Mark Harper voted “Yes,” while Brenda Spears, Terry Kiser, and Frank Cobb voted “No.”
Piedmont Police Chief Steven Tidwell mentioned the possibility of looking into purchasing cameras to be placed at some of the city’s intersections. He stressed that the cameras would not be used for issuing citations, but rather to aid in investigations, primarily in the event of an auto accident. Tidwell stated that the cameras, which would utilize the ITS internet service, would only cost an estimated $300 each to be taken from monies already budgeted to the department. The council voted to table the proposal.
The council also approved bills for payment for $418,425.59 in addition to a payroll amount of $108,640 for a total of $527,065.59, with Spears voting “No.” As of April 30th, there was also a total balance of $1,796,215.74 remaining in bond accounts.
Mayor Bill Baker said that the city has paid off its line of credit with Farmers and Merchants Bank in the amount of $103,000, adding, “Bills are current as we speak.”
Council Member Bramblett reminded everyone that there will be a city-wide clean-up this Thursday and Friday, May 22nd and 23rd. Residents are encouraged to place items by the curb for pick up. Electronics and paint cans will not be accepted and there will be a limit of 2 tires per household.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3rd, at 6 pm.
(file photo)