The Kilmichael Board of Alderman met for a recessed meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11 to approve the 2024/25 fiscal year budget in addition to discussing other town business. The meeting began with Sammie McCaskill of the Montgomery County chapter of the Men in Black and Blue Fighting Prostate Cancer organization. Representative McCaskill informed the Board of events planned throughout the next couple weeks of September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. First, he requested the Board’s permission on behalf of the organization to put up a blue ribbon in a prominent area of Kilmichael, which was approved. Next, he informed the Board of a breakfast the organization will be sponsoring for Kilmichael officials at the City Hall on September 27. Finally, McCaskill informed the Board and attendees of a free Health Fair event which will take place at the J.Z. George Gymnasium on Saturday, Sept. 21. Health Fairs like this encourage men of the surrounding Montgomery and Carroll County communities to take action in preserving and protecting their health.
McCaskill noted, “We’re just a group of men trying to encourage other men to take care of your health.”
Following this note, the Board moved on to budget related concerns. At this time Alderman Matt Bennett proposed a question concerning the garbage. Alderman Bennett explained that in a prior budget meeting, the Board had agreed to raise the garbage rate to $20 per customer; however, the budget provided didn’t reflect this change in the revenue section. He stated that it appeared to still show the revenue of the prior year, before changes were made. City Clerk Pauline Hall stated that the change may have been overlooked when filling out the budget.
“She printed off something that shows we’re billing for two hundred and ninety-two cans and if we based off of that number - twenty dollars - that should be what our revenue is or fairly close to it,” Alderman Bennett stated.
“But they’re billing us for three hundred and forty-nine cans… and we’re only charging for two hundred and ninety-two cans. So that’s a difference of fifty-seven cans…” Alderman Bennett clarified. “If we’re raising what we’re gonna generate I feel like that should be included in there.”
Clerk Hall explained that the budget would have to be adopted as is at this meeting, however any amendments after can be adopted at subsequent meetings.
As for the difference in cans that the city is paying for, the Board discussed having a recount done on active customers to ensure there are no inactive cans that are being counted towards the town’s bill. On a motion made by Alderman Earnest Curtis Jr. and seconded by Alderman Clay Eldridge with all in favor, the Board agreed to have Public Works Director Josh Pearson assist in a recount with the garbage collectors.
Little else was discussed about the budget in session, however three more motions were made regarding the budget. Little information was given in this meeting in regards to the following motions. The Board approved the utility rates of the 2024/25 fiscal year on a motion made by Alderman Curtis seconded by Alderman Bennett with all in favor. The Board approved the salaries section of the 2024/25 fiscal year on a motion made by Alderman Eldridge with Alderman Bernard J. Daniels seconding. Alderman Matt Bennett voted against the motion. The Board finally approved to adopt the budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year on a motion made by Alderman Daniels and seconded by Alderman Curtis. Alderman Bennett voted against adopting the budget.
One of the last topics to be discussed in the meeting was regarding a request made by Police Chief Barry Gregg. Chief Gregg requested the Board’s consideration in purchasing a records management system, mentioned in a previous Board meeting. In addition to the stationary office system that would be installed in the Police Department, Chief Gregg requested a mobile unit be installed in one of the police vehicles for filling out reports in the field.
“Gratefully and thankfully I can get my records management system, but if I’ve got to spend that money anyway, I’d like to have the additional… [mobile unit].” Chief Gregg requested.
The money he’s referring to is Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money allotted to the town. Chief Gregg noted an approximate amount of $5,600-$5,400 left in the fund to which a portion of the money ($3,250) has been committed to purchasing his stationary records management unit. The additional mobile unit was quoted at $1,950. In reference to Chief Gregg stating that the money must be spent, CARES Act funds are only available for a limited period and must be committed and spent by a specified date or else the funding would be revoked.
“We approved one meeting to buy it but without the mobile station,” Alderman Bennett stated.
A discussion ensued regarding the expiration date on the funds. The Board weighed the importance of the Chief’s request as well as other needs within the Police Department and town.
“My question is: is there any other equipment that you need to have updated - cameras?” Alderman Bennett asked.
Police Chief Gregg essentially stated that all other needs of the department were met. After a bit more discussion, The Board approved for the Police Department to purchase the mobile records system in addition to the stationary system approved in a prior meeting. The motion was made by Alderman Daniels and seconded by Alderman Eldridge. Alderman Bennett opposed the motion.
In other news the Board:
• Heard Police Chief Barry Gregg’s report regarding Grand Jury and a new business starting in town.
• Approved to pay the credit card bill in the approximate amount of $2,745. Expenses include: a tv and mount, a fridge, and a generator and laptop for the Public Works Department.
• Agreed to amend the budget.
• Agreed to hire a new Water Department worker part time at a rate of $10 per hour.
• Approved the Resolution for Public Facility Maintenance Plan for the Wastewater Lagoon and a site inspection.
• Tabled the discussion regarding moving the Public Works Department and Fire Department until the October 1st regularly scheduled Board meeting.
