At the August 18th city council meeting, Mayor Kevin Farmer addressed the city’s electric bill change, stating that it may cause confusion. The mayor stated that Piedmont has switched to an automated reading, which pulled everyone’s data on the 2nd of the month. Citizens who previously had their meter read early in the month likely saw little to no difference in the bill. Those who had their meter read later in the month likely received an abnormally low bill.
Farmer said that this only affects electric bills, that there has been no rate change, and that the automated system will continue reading on the 2nd of each month.
In the meeting itself, the council approved $45,364 for fire department air packs and $9,000 for hoses. Most of this money will be reimbursed by federal appropriations.
The group also updated a fire and police department rate change for sick/vacation and personal time and declared three old fire engines to surplus. Two of these will be sold to the White Plains Fire Department for $25,000.
In other business the council adopted a spending plan for the Rebuild Alabama Act Fund. They anticipate receiving $52,000 earmarked for transportation infrastructure.
Librarian Donna Garmon informed the council that the library has seen a record number of sponsors, purchased computers through a tech grant, and had 207 kids complete the summer reading program. She stated that the library has reached the milestone of being open for 50 years.
In visitor reports Sharon Rutherford, Lion’s Club district governor, spoke to the council about trying to start of new club in Piedmont; a Mr. Ponder asked the council to reconsider a previous decision about family insurance for retirees; and a Mr. Parker presented the mayor written questions about Piedmont’s plans and finances.
Mayor Kevin Farmer announced that the city abatement officer is retiring, and the council will need to hire a new person soon. He also said that the city’s trick-or-treat event will be held on Halloween between 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
Councilman Carlos Farmer told the group that the Piedmont Parks and Rec Dept. has added flag football this season with anticipated teams for 8-and-up, 10-and-up, and 12-and-up.
For more details listen to the attached audio recording.
