Jemison approves moving forward with debt refinance

Published 9:42 am Tuesday, May 17, 2022

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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The Jemison City Council unanimously passed two ordinances related to its debt during the May 17 meeting.

One ordinance set parameters for general obligation warrants series 2022-B, which will be used to refinance a portion of the $2.3 million remaining from funds borrowed in 2011. The other is to restructure debt from 2011 for the water and sewer fund by borrowing up to $1.6 million, which would retire some of the older debt.

The council approved suspending the rules to allow both ordinances to be voted on in the same meeting as the first reading. Council member Sam Reed was absent from the meeting.

During the meeting, Jemison librarian Tammie McGriff asked the council if the library could have two part-time teenage summer workers again this summer to help with the upkeep of the garden.

The part-time employees would also assist with summer programs and taking care of books when needed.

Since this was done last year and was in the budget, the mayor could authorize this being done again this year.

Having two employees for eight weeks at minimum wage was discussed as the best options.

McGriff said the story hour programs have been well attended.

The Summer Reading Program for the Jemison Library will be held in June on Wednesdays. McGriff said funds raised during the annual Fairy Tale Show are being used to cover the cost of having a magician. The funds have also been used to purchase craft supplies for activities.

The council also approved leasing four Chevy Tahoes for the police department and annual agreement with the state for reimbursement for maintenance of the state right-of-way on Jemison’s portion of U.S. Highway 31 and U.S Highway 191.