The Piedmont City Council engaged in a spirited debate over the school system’s building insurance. That expense, which had previously been paid by the city, was excluded from the budget passed at the last meeting. Councilman Matt Rogers brought up a concern that the decision hadn’t been communicated well to the superintendent’s office. Mayor Kevin Farmer and others argued that school officials were given fair warning and that this was just one of many tough financial decisions the council made. Rogers moved to amend the budget to include the building insurance this year. The action was defeated 4 votes to 3.
The city also debated an ordinance that would adopt the Calhoun County Commission’s regulations governing recovery residences and halfway houses. Under this ordinance the county, not the city, would inspect these residences and enforce regulations. When a vote failed to suspend the rules to adopt the ordinance, the council decided take up the proposal at a later time.
Mayor Kevin Farmer relayed that last weekend’s Venecia Foundation run was a big success. Farmer heard that around 570 runners participated.
Calhoun County Tourism Director Cher Dulaney reminded the council of the SkyTrail Birding Festival coming up October 10th in Choccolocco Park. She reported that 33 people had already signed up for “birding.”
Dulaney also stated that Calhoun Cares, an America 250 celebration, will take place November 13th. While the date has been finalized, the details of the event have not.
The next council meeting is scheduled for October 20th.
For more details listen to the attached audio file of the meeting.
