Comer Councilwoman Laquita Bridges spoke out strongly in defense of the Comer Fire Department’s funding at the Dec. 8 council meeting.
“Our contribution to them will not be touched while I am on the council,” she said.
Her statement came in response to a comment by councilman Howard Threlkeld as he discussed ways to keep the city budget from increasing in 2009.
Threlkeld said that if any areas of the budget needed to be increased, they would need to cut other areas to make up the difference. He noted that the city donates $45,000 a year to the fire department, which is double the contributions of other cities in Madison County.
“That is why,” Bridges responded, “we have the best fire department in the county.”
The budget finally approved by the council is just under $610,000, which is approximately $3,000 less than the 2008 budget.
Among projects being considered for the county is repair or replacement of several fire hydrants and new ways to monitor the city’s three wells. City clerk Steve Sorrells said that it would be good to know more about the capacity of the three wells that serve the city. He said that the current wells are meeting the city’s needs but a fourth well that can produce 50 gpm or greater would be good insurance.
Beth McGraw, representing a new Royal Oaks Home Owners Association introduced herself to the council and reported on the progress of the organization. The current 25 members have held two meetings and are looking at by-laws. No formal organization or elected leadership has yet been chosen. Among the concerns McGraw discussed were debris pickup and recycling. She said that the goal of the group is to create a pleasant and attractive community.
Council approved a beer and wine license for Ku’s Food Lane in Comer.
Newly elected councilwoman Melissa Yarbrough joined the council for her first meeting.
but now... miss laquida takes a stand. against what? cutting spending... as she/they allow revenue to sit, spinning it's wheels, behind the minute mart in town. absurd. what about that funding that was sought so persistantly by former city employee/current asst. coroner? where is that money? it certainly never got used for it's intended purposes. how long has it been? two, three years ago? and where is that city park and downtown renovation - didn't comer get that funding? it seems like they did! (this is by no means a slam against the current asst coroner - he's a good guy)
thank goodness the council has new blood. it's long overdue. so many folks look down on the business going on around danielsville and never notice how corrupt comer has gotten. it's time for some change, folks. put on your big boy britches and do something right - there outta be 500 people at those council meetings. (although, they'd never let you utter a word - as is their custom) so sign up to be put on the agenda!