Just a quick note to wish everyone a very happy new year. I think many of us are ready to leave 2008 behind given the tough economic times we've seen this year. Despite the negative outlook for 2009, I do believe Guin has exceptional leadership in place to not only get us through these difficult times, but to help us prosper and grow. We are well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities that may come along as the economy turns the corner.
My hope and wish is that 2009 brings about exciting and happy times for not only our community, but for each and every one of you. Our next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 5th. I'll have another post outlining current business at that time.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
City News - December 15, 2008
Merry Christmas to all! The City Council held the last business meeting of 2008 this evening. There was a short agenda this evening with only two topics of old business which needed discussion or action. The first order of business was to resolve some questions relative to the proposed use of RPS for our ambulance service. The management team from RPS was unable to attend this evening, so we tabled any discussion until the first meeting of 2009. At that time, we'll have both RPS and our current provider, Northwest Hospital, available to resolve any questions or issues with the services they provide.
The final order of business was to take action on a annual one time payment given to city employees. While this has traditionally been approved for our employees as a Christmas time supplement to their salaries, we had to take a closer look this year at the city's financial picture to determine if it was feasible to release such payment. The finance committee reviewed our situation resolving that if any payment would be made, it would have to be reduced from last year's amount. That amount was equal to one week's salary of each employee. So, tonight, Elaine Junkin motioned that each full time employee receive a $200 one time payment, while part time employees would receive a $50 supplement. The motion gained a second, but was voted down on a 4 - 3 vote. Those voting for the proposal were Mayor Segraves, Elaine Junkin, and Phillip Garrison and those against were myself, Cerell Metcalf, Boozer Pinkerton, and Gary Randolph. Mineo Lindsey had to leave the session early in preparation for the lead role in his church musical and was not present for the vote. For me personally, this was the hardest decision I've ever made as a council member given the effect it would have on people I consider friends and employees who deserve much more than what the city can afford to pay them. We have a great workforce in the city of Guin and, by no means, is my vote a reflection on their performance. It was strictly based on the financial situation of our city and the economic conditions we're currently facing. It is my hope that this is a short term problem and we can continue this payment again next year.
In other news, the city accountant gave us an update on the budget cuts our department heads have proposed for 2009. Overall, we're looking at a projected $100,000 reduction in expenses over the next year. The details of those reductions are still being finalized and will be presented at a later date.
Finally, I again wish each and everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy, Safe, and Prosperous New Year. This is my favorite time of year. God has blessed me and Heather with wonderful families and so many close friends that we get to spend time with during the holidays. I wish you all the same blessings. See you next year and Roll Tide! ;-)
The final order of business was to take action on a annual one time payment given to city employees. While this has traditionally been approved for our employees as a Christmas time supplement to their salaries, we had to take a closer look this year at the city's financial picture to determine if it was feasible to release such payment. The finance committee reviewed our situation resolving that if any payment would be made, it would have to be reduced from last year's amount. That amount was equal to one week's salary of each employee. So, tonight, Elaine Junkin motioned that each full time employee receive a $200 one time payment, while part time employees would receive a $50 supplement. The motion gained a second, but was voted down on a 4 - 3 vote. Those voting for the proposal were Mayor Segraves, Elaine Junkin, and Phillip Garrison and those against were myself, Cerell Metcalf, Boozer Pinkerton, and Gary Randolph. Mineo Lindsey had to leave the session early in preparation for the lead role in his church musical and was not present for the vote. For me personally, this was the hardest decision I've ever made as a council member given the effect it would have on people I consider friends and employees who deserve much more than what the city can afford to pay them. We have a great workforce in the city of Guin and, by no means, is my vote a reflection on their performance. It was strictly based on the financial situation of our city and the economic conditions we're currently facing. It is my hope that this is a short term problem and we can continue this payment again next year.
In other news, the city accountant gave us an update on the budget cuts our department heads have proposed for 2009. Overall, we're looking at a projected $100,000 reduction in expenses over the next year. The details of those reductions are still being finalized and will be presented at a later date.
Finally, I again wish each and everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy, Safe, and Prosperous New Year. This is my favorite time of year. God has blessed me and Heather with wonderful families and so many close friends that we get to spend time with during the holidays. I wish you all the same blessings. See you next year and Roll Tide! ;-)
Monday, December 1, 2008
City News - December 1, 2008
There were several items on the agenda for tonight's meeting. In new business, Mike Knight and another gentleman approached the council for permission to organize unified public prayer meetings within the city during one day of each month. Those meetings are currently going on in neighboring communities and are scheduled for 10 A.M. on the second Saturday of each month. The council unanimously agreed to allow those meetings within the city and on city property if they so choose.
In old business, we took action to alleviate the shortfall the city's endured related to garbage pickup. The council decided unanimously to increase rates across the board. Residential and business customers will all see an increase of $4 per month, while the minimum fee for special pickups will increase to $15 from $10. Councilman Pinkerton also proposed that we place $1.25 per customer per month in a fund which will be used for maintenance costs related to our current truck and to purchase a new truck when it's appropriate. That proposal was also accepted, but will not go into effect for one year to allow the city to recover some of the shortfall we've seen in recent years. It is a goal of this council to become as efficient as possible to minimize or eliminate the need to borrow money for such projects. Mr. Pinkerton's proposal is a step in the right direction.
In other old business, we accepted a proposal from RPS (Regional Paramedical Services) to provide ambulance service to the city of Guin. This service includes stationing an ambulance inside the city limits which will serve the citizens of Guin and surrounding communities. The service comes at no cost to the city. RPS will man the truck with two people at all times including at least one certified paramedic. They will deliver to the hospital of the patient's choice given they are stable enough to do so, but will deliver to the closest hospital when that's not the case. Their service would also provide us with an additional ambulance as needed if the primary truck is on a run. If they can't get a backup to a location quick enough, they can and will call on other local companies to provide coverage as needed.
In other news, we tabled a proposed annual one time payment to city employees to allow the finance committee an opportunity to review our current finances.
Our current administration just completed their first month on the job and I want to personally thank each and every member for the work that's being done to move Guin forward. It's been a pleasure, thus far, to work with a group of people who really have the best for Guin in mind.
One final note, please remember that Guin's Christmas Parade will be next Monday. I encourage all civic groups, churches, athletic teams, etc.. to take part in the parade. If not, please make plans to be downtown next Monday to watch and enjoy.
In old business, we took action to alleviate the shortfall the city's endured related to garbage pickup. The council decided unanimously to increase rates across the board. Residential and business customers will all see an increase of $4 per month, while the minimum fee for special pickups will increase to $15 from $10. Councilman Pinkerton also proposed that we place $1.25 per customer per month in a fund which will be used for maintenance costs related to our current truck and to purchase a new truck when it's appropriate. That proposal was also accepted, but will not go into effect for one year to allow the city to recover some of the shortfall we've seen in recent years. It is a goal of this council to become as efficient as possible to minimize or eliminate the need to borrow money for such projects. Mr. Pinkerton's proposal is a step in the right direction.
In other old business, we accepted a proposal from RPS (Regional Paramedical Services) to provide ambulance service to the city of Guin. This service includes stationing an ambulance inside the city limits which will serve the citizens of Guin and surrounding communities. The service comes at no cost to the city. RPS will man the truck with two people at all times including at least one certified paramedic. They will deliver to the hospital of the patient's choice given they are stable enough to do so, but will deliver to the closest hospital when that's not the case. Their service would also provide us with an additional ambulance as needed if the primary truck is on a run. If they can't get a backup to a location quick enough, they can and will call on other local companies to provide coverage as needed.
In other news, we tabled a proposed annual one time payment to city employees to allow the finance committee an opportunity to review our current finances.
Our current administration just completed their first month on the job and I want to personally thank each and every member for the work that's being done to move Guin forward. It's been a pleasure, thus far, to work with a group of people who really have the best for Guin in mind.
One final note, please remember that Guin's Christmas Parade will be next Monday. I encourage all civic groups, churches, athletic teams, etc.. to take part in the parade. If not, please make plans to be downtown next Monday to watch and enjoy.
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