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

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on southerntorch.com) The Rainsville City Council met on Monday, March 15 for their regularly scheduled meeting.

Brad Green, of Raymond James Financial Services, addressed the council regarding the Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center Loan.  

Councilmember Bejan Taheri inquired on how much was owed for the Agribusiness Center at this time. Green advised that roughly $3.49 million is owed presently at the Agribusiness Center.  The City has paid approximately $500,000 towards the principal of the loan since the loan was originated.

 If refinanced, the interest rate will be lowered to 3%, saving the City around $370,000 in interest and also lowering the payments over the ten-year loan.

Green went on to say that this loan could be made through the City of Rainsville or through the Public Building Authority (PBA).  After discussion, the Council voted to obtain the refinancing through the PBA.  

The following items were approved by the Council:

• Billboard Ordinance- New Ordinance guidelines are nearly completed by City Attorney Nikki Scott Wilson, the council voted to extend the moratorium, which is a temporary prohibition of an activity, for 30 more days.
• Bid out Pest Control Contract -  This bid will be for all city buildings and a one-year contract. The closed bids will be opened on  April 19 at 4 pm.
• Upgraded the computer at the Public Works Department 
• Purchased a grill for the Police Department in the amount of $799
• Purchased a laptop for the Fire Department in the amount of $500
• Approved repair on Wilson Street for Headwalls, where ditches have washed out; bid was awarded to Boozer Construction in the amount between $15,000-$25,000 
• Appointed Tina Hosch to the Zoning Board to replace Zane Mitchell 
• Approved Resolution 03-15-2021, to Surplus a 2012 Ford Expedition from the Rainsville Fire Department.
• Empowered Mayor Lingerfelt to sign the AMRV Grant application for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  The grant is for $10,000 to begin the first phase of improvements, 

The following Personal Changes were approved: 

• Hired Greg Welsh as a full-time CDL Driver at the Sanitation Department at $14.63 per hour
• Hired Austin Peppers as a Part-Time Patrolman at $14.97 per hour
• Hire Donna Johnson as Temporary Magistratate for Court at a rate of $40 per court session

The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be on April 5, 2021. The Work Session will begin at 4:00. The Regular Meeting will begin at 4:30.