Following more than five months of debate, the Piedmont City Council, on Tuesday, finally passed a $5.57 million budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
The delay was a result of the some of the council’s desire to make cuts to what others called a bare-bones budget.
City Clerk Michelle Franklin informed the council that the city was in danger of losing all funding for its senior center without a budget. While a city of Piedmont’s size isn’t required by law to have a budget, the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, which provides funding for the center, does require a city budget before allocating funds.
The budget passed with a 4 to 3 vote.
Mayor Bill Baker read a proclamation declaring February 26th, 2017 as Dr. Matt Akin Day, honoring the former Piedmont City Schools Superintendent for the many accomplishments achieved during his tenure.
Throughout his years as superintendent, Dr. Akins and the Piedmont City School System became a recognized leader in educational technology and received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named “One of Americas Best High Schools” by the U.S. News and World Report.
In other business, the council authorized Piedmont Fire Chief Mike Ledbetter to begin taking applications to fill a recent vacancy within the department.
The council also authorized the electric department to fill two much needed lineman positions.
A parcel of city property, which adjoins the Piedmont Rescue Squad’s property, was declared as surplus. The rescue squad hopes to purchase the property in order to facilitate their expansion. The city’s skate park, which currently sits on the property, will be relocated to the Clyde H. Pike Civic Center.
Also declared surplus was a city garbage truck.
The council agreed to purchase two riding lawn mowers for use by the city’s parks and recreation department.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $173,162.65
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21st, following the work session, which is set for 5:30pm.