RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 16. 

At the meeting, Councilmember Marshall Stiefel suggested the abolishment of Ordinance 5-3-1120, which pertains to the yearly fee paid on rental property in the City of Rainsville. The motion died due to lack of a second. 

Stiefel explained that he felt the citizens of Rainsville are already overtaxed. 

“Our citizens are already paying property tax on their rental properties. This city tax is double taxation. It is unfair and excessive, and it punishes our business people for providing much-needed housing for our area,” said Stiefel. “After our citizens had the state gas tax forced on them earlier this year, I believe our folks need some relief.” 

The Council also opened bids for the sewer line expansion, which will create upwards of 80 new sewer customers. They will meet with engineer James Payton to clarify the scheme of the work. 

Due to roof leaks, the Rainsville Public Library will meet with their insurance company for an estimate on repairs. If repairs are under the bid law amount, the Council authorized Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt to move forward. Anyone who provides work must be licensed within the City of Rainsville.

Rainsville will be adjusting the sanitation and sewer rates with the Town of Sylvania. Mayor Lingerfelt was given authorization by the Council to sign a renewal contract if approved by the Town of Sylvania.  

In other business, the Council: 

• Passed Resolution 12-16-2019, which will surplus used Christmas lights
• Approved a sponsorship for the Bull Bash in the amount of $1,000

The Rainsville City Council will host their first meeting of the new year on January 6, 2020, at 5pm with a work session beginning at 4:15pm.