Poole to serve on Comer council

Mayor Jody Blackmon informed the Comer City Council Monday that Michael Poole will be the next member of the council.

He was the only qualifier for the special election to fill an open seat. State law allows the city to rule that he would vote for himself, and that no election is necessary. Poole will be sworn in after the March 17 scheduled date for the election.

In other matters, city clerk Steve Sorrells reported to the city council that the effort to collect back taxes is underway and $10,500 was collected last month.

A short-term loan from First Madison Bank to cover city expenses has been repaid. He also reported that the city audit is underway and the auditor has picked up necessary documents from city hall.

Public Works Superintendent Willis Gabriel reported that work on “Well #4” is awaiting an electrician to complete the wiring and it will be back on line. The well will not require new testing before being used.

The short-term work program was discussed by the mayor. The major work will be the evaluation and repair of the sewer system to eliminate storm water infiltration. This effort is underway and should be completed in 2017. The city will also establish a crossing across the creek downtown and pave the unpaved portion of Hill Street. This project is also scheduled for completion in 2017.