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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Jemison City Council unanimously approved a donation of $2,000 for Jemison High School Technology Students Association during a meeting on May 20.

The students and faculty sponsor Erin Elliott addressed the Council highlighting accomplishments during a recent state-level competition. Elliott said three students were elected as state officers, including the president, for the association. During competition, JHS students won four gold medals, along with other to 10 finishes, and have qualified to advance to the national level of competition.

“This year has been our most successful year yet,” Elliott said.

Elliott said the program is adding a computer science certification for next school year.

The group requested toward funds expenses for competing at the national level. The request was unanimously approved.

“Having the opportunity to go to nationals is … a personal experience that will allow each and every one of us to individually grow and see into the STEM world and be in our element,” student Tylan Rudolph said. “It will help us grow as a person and in our STEM careers as well.”

The donation is one that the Council has approved in the past.

“I do recommend this, but you are the ones that are going to have to decide on the amount,” Reed said.

Initially, Councilman Rex Bittle made a suggestion to delay a vote until the next Council meeting, so the budget could be reviewed.

The fiscal year starts Oct. 1, so the city is mid-year in the budget.

Councilman George Brasher said the current budget could be amended if needed.

“You represent Jemison High School and you represent Jemison, and we want to be a part of that success,” Reed told the students.

A contract with Piper Jaffray for accounting services was also approved.

Mayor Eddie Reed said the contract was for one year to resolve a specific issue.

“I’m sure that the group involved with working with these numbers will learn from this experience,” Reed said.

Upgrades to the city’s accounting system are also being made to avoid the need to call in outside help in the future.

During the meeting, a resident also addressed the Council about the state of the basketball courts at the park. Reed discussed his concerns at how some residents were mistreating the area but said he would look into what could be done to install new nets on the court and address some of the concerns.

A larger plan for the park has been discussed, but funding has not been secured.