A 25-minute gathering for Grayville Commissioners closed out September Monday night. New City Treasurer Vanessa Fullop presented the treasurer’s report and in Arlynne Davis’ absence read the audit findings. Both reports were accepted unanimously despite a question from Commissioner Scott Browning on why the city was found to be non-compliant with operation and maintenance funds with regards to water/sewer. Fullop said she would check in with Davis for an explanation.
The only real discussion on Monday night surrounded the city’s intention to create a combined position for Economic Development Coordinator/Police Department Administrative Assistant. Resident Ina Sneed had questions about how much time would be dedicated to each of those efforts saying that the economic development side should get more focus. Mayor Travis Thompson said the job would demand focus on whichever tasks were more pressing and that the split job title was mainly financial in which municipal funds paid for the position. Thompson went on to say the goal was to allow Chief Mason Siegel to spend more time doing actual police work rather than tedious paperwork due to standards surrounding the SAFE-T Act, body camera footage, and other mandates handed down from the state. The mayor also said it was a starting point and he hoped it would be a wonderful problem to have a need to grow the economic development side of the position. Commissioners ultimately passed the first reading to create the position
Council passed a resolution allowing for the upcoming Christmas parade on November 28th from 6pm – 7pm. Commissioners granted a Chappy’s Special Liquor License request for October 3rd from 10am – 8pm for an upcoming Cornhole Tournament. Council also appointed new member, Connor Neeley, to the Police Committee and approved a TIF request from Grayville schools. Thompson says the $50,000 request is in the budget and will help outfit the elementary, junior high, and high school with new windows. The total estimated cost of that project is in excess of $161,500.