Hamilton council

HAMILTON - Hamilton City Councilman Gene Sanderson urged fellow Hamilton City Council members to take care in how much the Marion County Commission is charged for the 5.1-acre Bedford Industrial Park property, which the commission may use to build the new Marion County Jail.
This topic was raised during discussions concerning an appraisal for the property during a regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 20, at Hamilton City Hall.

HAMILTON - Concluding a two-year debate on how to balance the Hamilton Water Department budget, the Hamilton City Council has passed a significant rate increase.
During a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, the council voted 4-1 to level out its volume billing scale on water and raise sewer rates to equal 100% of a customer’s water bill.
Customers billed at the minimum rate will continue to pay $20.38. Minimum billing is issued for accounts using less than 2,000 gallons of water.

HAMILTON – The Jerry Brown Arts Festival is gearing up for another year.
During the Hamilton City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, officials authorized the Northwest Alabama Arts Council     to host its 18th Jerry Brown Arts Festival event, which will take place March 7 and 8 at Tombigbee’s facility off of County Road 55.
At the request of arts council president Dr. Dan Dunkin, the council also waived business license requirements for participating artists and vendors. Durkin noted that each vendor is still required to record and collect sales taxes.

HAMILTON – City officials are weighing whether or not to consider bumping the pay for elected city officials.
With municipal elections quickly approaching in the summer, Hamilton Mayor Bob Page told the Hamilton City Council at a work session on Wednesday, Jan. 15, that if it wished to authorize a pay increase, now would be the time to do so.
An administration pay increase would bump compensation for city council members and the mayor’s office, and it would not go into effect until a newly elected council and mayor are seated.

HAMILTON – Manufacturing companies are apparently considering building in Hamilton.
According to Hamilton Mayor Bob Page, an unnamed Japanese car manufacturer could be taking steps to potentially locate a plant on 20 acres of Hamilton’s I-22 Industrial Park in the Fulton Bridge Community.
Page announced the development during a Hamilton City Council work session on Wednesday, Jan. 15, saying he may have to call a special council meeting and put together an incentive package.

HAMILTON – Hamilton Mayor Bob Page has announced the hiring of Sadie Spears as a worker at the Hamilton Senior Center.
Page made the announcement during a quick Hamilton City Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 6.
Page recommended that the council pay Spears $8 per hour in the position.
Councilman Gene Sanderson made the motion to pay her accordingly, Bobby Joe Irvin seconded the motion and members Tami Lewis Williams, Wade Sullins and Herb Winsett cast their votes to give the pay amount unanimous approval.

HAMILTON – Revenues on water and sewer services for Hamilton residents are not enough to cover operating expenses.
Hamilton Mayor Bob Page reintroduced the topic during a Hamilton City Council work session on Wednesday, Dec. 11, explaining again that the city’s general fund has traditionally supplemented deficits in the water and sewer budget.
“We’re looking at getting it closer to a break-even if possible,” Page said.

HAMILTON - Sakura Asian Cuisine-Hamilton has been approved to serve liquor at its location at 121 Military Street South.
The Hamilton City Council voted unanimously during a public hearing held on Monday, Nov. 18, to approve the restaurant’s application.
Hamilton Mayor Bob Page opened the public hearing during a regularly scheduled meeting that same night, opening the floor to anyone who has comments for or against the restaurant. No comments were made.

HAMILTON - Real estate agent Kerry Howell wants city officials to do more to crackdown on land negligence and enforce ordinances that are in place.
Howell, who sells houses in Hamilton, addressed the Hamilton City Council on Monday, Nov. 18, saying property and business owners are not maintaining their land because there is no accountability.
Howell addressed the council at a November meeting last year, raising concerns that poorly-managed and neglected properties are damaging property values around the city.

Hamilton - The Hamilton Police Department has been approved to move ahead with the hiring of a new police officer and the purchase of two new Chevrolet Tahoe police cruisers.
The Hamilton City Council voted unanimously on Monday, Nov. 4, to move forward on the addition to the police force.
At a work session on Wednesday, Oct. 30, Hamilton Police Chief Ronny Vickery said he currently has 13 officers—including himself and two investigators.