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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Jemison City Council approved needed financial measures during a meeting on May 4.

While the meeting was on a normal meeting day for the Council, the time was changed to 2 p.m.

The Council unanimously approved a change order to a previously approved project with Central Alabama Asphalt & Construction Company to add the paving of a portion of Padgett Lane for $22,340. The original project included Main and Second streets

City Administrator Shannon Welch explained that the motion was retroactive, and the project had been completed when the paving company was in town at the request of Mayor Eddie Reed.

“They did a great job,” Councilman Rex Bittle said. “I haven’t been down Second, but Main Street looks great.”

The Council unanimously approved purchasing a Caterpillar 289D3 Compact Track Loader (Skidsteer) through a five-year lease to own agreement. The vehicle price will be $66,377.93. Welch said the vehicle would be purchased off the state bid list and will replace an older similar Bobcat vehicle.

“The one we’ve got … We’ve had it about 15 years. It gets used every day, and it’s just way past its life expectancy,” Welch said. “We are spending a lot more money on it really than it is worth to keep it up and maintained.”

Reed said replacing the vehicle would save the city money in the long run.

“This is a necessity,” Reed said.

A motion will be made at a future meeting to declare the Bobcat as salvage to sell it. Welch said he would research the selling options and report back to the Council.

Moving forward with opening a Capital Improvement Checking Account with Marion Bank & Trust was also approved. The motion included naming Mayor Reed, Councilman Samuel Reed, City Clerk Vicki Potts and Assistant Clerk as signers with two signers always required.

A general financial update was given to the Council.

Welch said the city had brought in $153,000 more than it had spent so far this fiscal year.

Mayor Reed said the businesses in Jemison have continued to operate, and bring in sales tax revenue, despite limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been blessed by the Almighty,” Mayor Reed said.

Welch agreed that the city had been blessed during this time.

Potts pointed out that many were shopping local in Jemison that maybe had not previously.