In executive session, the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen moved John Styron from the position of interim city clerk to the official position of city clerk at Tuesday’s board meeting.
Styron had been filling in as interim city clerk since the departure of former clerk Lane Yearby.
At that point the city bank statements had not been reconciled since July 2020. The city has employed the services of Charles R. Prince, CPA. Brett Duncan, an employee of that firm who has been working with the city on various issues like budgeting, reported to the board Tuesday night that the city books were now reconciled through August 2020.
At Duncan’s recommendation the board opted to turn the payroll process over to Charles R. Prince, CPA. The rate will continue under the existing contract, which is $85 per hour for a certified accountant and $75 per hour for a staff accountant. This is the government-approved rate. Duncan could not give a definitive answer as to the final cost but said it would be less expensive than paying for the two positions the city is currently paying. The board has not approved the transfer of this service yet.
Magee resident James Reese reported to the board problems with an 18-wheeler on Windsor Dr. Apparently a neighbor drives it and it comes and goes at all hours of the night and is causing damage to the road. The board agreed to put up signs and possibly ticket the individual for disturbing the peace.
Mayor Dale Berry explained why it takes so long to respond to water leaks, saying they have to get the 811 Commission to respond to identify other utilities before they can dig and sometimes the process takes up to two weeks.
He told the board that airport manager Ashley Steele is in complete remission from her cancer issue.
Berry added that people should remember the family of Lance Hayes, who recently died. Berry said that Lance was involved with the youth in the community through his service to little league baseball.
Cameras have been installed at city park to deter vandalism at the facility.
The city will now accept credit card payments for the Police Department, City Hall services and the Water Department.
In Police Department business, the board approved Blake Welborn going to full-time. They approved the purchase of new tazers with a total price of $35,271 over a five year program. This was a budgeted item.
City Public Works Director Hugh Dilmore acknowledged all the hard work that had been done by the employees of that department. He also told the board that a lot of work needs to be completed and indicated that he was going to ask for additional help during the budget process.
Alderman Patrick Brown advised that culverts at the old Magee Elementary School were rusted and collapsing. The culverts are approximately 1/2 mile long.
