By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on March 16.  The meeting was open to relevant personnel and the media.

Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt announced the closing of the Rainsville Library, Park and Recreation Department (Field of Dreams), the Tom Bevill Center and the Agri-Business Center until April 6 due to the COVID-19 situation. The Rainsville City Hall will be conducting business through the Drive-thru. The Rainsville Court System will not hold Court until April 16.

Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt went on to say that through a joint effort with the DeKalb County Board of Education nutrition program, the City would pass out meals beginning Monday, March 23 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for children needing meals due to the dismissal of school. 

Rainsville Fire Chief Willimac Wright updated the Council regarding the ongoing efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus. 

The Council amended the budget as recommended by the City accountant to cover the cost of raises in the amount of: 

• Assistant Operator for the Waste Water Treatment Plant - $5,900 including benefits
• City Clerk - $4,130  including benefits
• Court Clerk - $3,500 including benefits
• Police Chief - $3,500 including benefits
• Fire Chief - $3,500 including benefits

The Council passed the following:

• Revenue Officer Traning/ Tuscaloosa- The original training was scheduled for April 1-3 which will more than likely be postponed.  
• Awarded the contract to Basswood in the amount of $6,400.00 for the repair of (2) Dodge Chargers
• Hired Tiffany Edwards to the Police Department, which gives the City thirteen officers

The next meeting of the Rainsville will be held on April 6 with the workshop beginning at 4:15 and the regular session is held at 5 p.m.