By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The Rainsville City Council met Monday and discussed the status of a number of current and future city improvement projects and the associated cost of the city’s plan to renovate the old Weekly Post Building. Councilman Roger Lingerfelt reported that the renovations would come in two phases, and cost the city about $202,302.

The city hopes to relocate the DeKalb County extension office to the renovated property. Currently the city pays all expenses to operate the county extension program, the only exception being the salaries of county employees who work there. Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones said that he would like to see the county pick up some of the cost of renovations since they would ultimately be beneficiaries of the renovations as well.

“I’m hopeful that the County will be willing to shoulder some of this load,” Jones said. “Having them pay their share is the fair thing to do and we will continue work on the issue and try to find an agreement that is fair and works for both the city of Rainsville and the county. “

The city voted to accept the $202,302 bids for renovation of the Weekly Post building.

Jones also made the announcement Monday night that the first phases of the highly anticipated Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) program will soon be underway. ACE is a non-profit that partners with communities across the state, providing leadership a end community development programs, strategic planning services, commercial and business development, education enhancement, tourism,  economic development and other support to help Alabama cities and towns improve and develop their communities, strengthen local economies and create long-term economic success.

Rainsville began the ACE program in 2013. The city was funded through a grant to complete a long-term comprehensive plan for the city.

“We are very excited to begin the ACE program,” Jones said. “It is one of the most respected programs of its kind and has a proven track record of success in terms of economic and industrial development.”

Jones said the first step of the program is an orientation that will take place before the end of this month.