Ila council proposes 3% raises; awards bid for $28,000

The only major change to the proposed 2011 budget over this year’s budget is a three-percent raise for the council mayor and the city clerk.

The proposed raise would be the first pay increase for the council, clerk and mayor in two years. The pay increase for the mayor would be $45, the council members would receive $33.75 and the clerk would receive $720. The current yearly income is $1,500 for the mayor, $1,125 for each council member and $24,000 for the city clerk.

Ila will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget prior to the council’s September meeting. The public hearing will start at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 6, with the monthly council meeting following.

During the Aug. 2 council meeting, the Ila city council opened three bids for the removal of the old water tank. The lowest bid was from Payday Recycle Company for $27,760. The next bid for $29,940 was submitted from First Georgia Pipeline. The third bid was for $38,170 from R.E. McLean Tank Company. The council looked further at the lowest two bids.

The council expressed concern over liability insurance held by each company. Due to previous work done with First Georgia Pipeline, the council was confident that it was covered. The removal would not require bonding.

The council decided to approve the low bid from Payday Recycle pending confirmation that the company is fully insured and covered. If the company doesn’t have the required insurance, the bid will be awarded to First Georgia Pipeline.

In other business, thee council:

•compiled a list of streets to submit for resurfacing. Streets on the list include: Westbrook, Pine, Rock and Fitzpatrick Road.

•passed a motion that would deny access to the barbecue pit from any groups except the fire department, for use for fire department fundraisers, due to liability placed on the city.