During Monday night’s Grayville Council meeting, Grayville Library Board President Andy Brock expressed frustration after discovering that a request for raises for two part-time library employees was not included in the city budget. Brock questioned why the January 13th letter requesting the raises, set to begin May 1st, had not been addressed. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 13th at 6:45 p.m., preceding the regular council session.
In other business, the council unanimously approved a purchase order for a laptop from PC Doctors totaling $3,578.49. The laptop is intended for City Administrator David Kendrick to assist with fieldwork and office tasks.
Engineer Rex Gower updated the council on key projects, announcing that the bid opening for the Albion/Grayville Water Treatment Plant is set for May 5th. He also detailed a county highway reconstruction project expected to cost over $2.2 million, or approximately $70,000 per 100 feet. Part of Highway 20, from Route 1 to 7th Street, may also fall under county responsibility, with potential funding assistance available.
City Attorney Jay Walden provided an update on reimbursement efforts for police training expenses from former officer Brandon Smythe. Smythe originally owed $5,515.95, which was reduced to $3,447.48 after payments. Despite a $100 payment in February, further payment has not been made, prompting Walden to consider filing a complaint and potentially garnishing Smythe’s wages.
Commissioner Baldwin noted the installation of a cannon at the Veteran’s Memorial and encouraged the public to view the memorial and consider purchasing commemorative bricks.
After a brief executive session, the council approved a six-month lease with E.T. Simonds at 133 Industrial Park for $1,250 per month, with an option to extend. The city also plans to offer three properties for sale by sealed bid, with bids to be opened in May. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the city for more information.
Finally, the council approved a $12,950 grant to Project 1855 for an HVAC improvement project at their business.