A public hearing is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall to gather information on a splash pad project the city council first approved, then backed away from over cost concerns.
The special session will also include the second public hearing on the council’s proposed 91.18-cent tax, same as this year’s.
An initial hearing was held Tuesday evening.
SPLASH PAD—The council okayed construction of a splash pad last year, in connection with a state grant.
On Nov. 4 a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the park and an artist’s concept was displayed.
The $75,000 grant was to be more than matched by a $218,000 contribution from the city.
But later that same month Mayor John King sounded an alarm, saying city reserves had become “dangerously low,” dropping to 59 days, about half the 105-day target.
He said the city was operating on a $442,000 budget deficit and asked the council not to undertake any new projects but “only fund the essentials.”
REVIEW—The council reviewed the splash pad proposal in its monthly session Aug. 13.
Bland, who was originally the only council member to vote against the project, said he now favored it, challenging the city to follow through on its action. He cited the groundbreaking ceremony.
Council member Joyce Dalley said she has talked to some residents of the area who are against a splash pad. Mayor King said he felt the money could be better spent on infrastructure work.
Action was delayed pending public input.
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