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

PHOTO: The Council's 2020 budget includes a raise for City employees as well as a $150,000 allotment for the City School System. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The City of Fort Payne held their regularly scheduled council meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2019.

The fiscal year 2020 budget was passed in the amount of $25,930,000, which includes a step raise for City employees and $150,000 that goes toward the Fort Payne City School System. 

After planning committee approval, the Council agreed to suspend the rules and approve 37 acres of property located at 4408 Gault Avenue North across from Heil from C-3 (Highway Business District) to M-1 (Light Industrial District). According to real estate developer Randy Wilson of Wilson Realty, “we’re trying to move forward.” 

Executive Director Jimmy Durham of the DeKalb County Economic Improvement Authority addressed the Council regarding tax abatements pertaining to Young Holding, Inc. and YS Inc. on their expansion across from Grace Presbyterian Church. This expansion will employ 12-15 new people in less than one year.

In other business, the Council: 

• Approved Resolution 2019-40, amending Resolution 2018-11 granting abatements to Young Holding, Inc. (land)
• Approved Resolution 2019-41, amending Resolution 2018-22 which granted tax abatements to YS, Inc. (equipment)
• Authorized James Payton to apply for a Rebuild Alabama Grant which will fund roadwork and lighting for the new school.

After the meeting, the Council went into executive session, but no action was taken.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, November 5 at 12pm in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.