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Eclectic Observer The
WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 27, 2019
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 30, No. 9
Council tables action on financial matters By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Following a pair of presentations made by representatives from Utility Management and Avenu Insights, the Eclectic Town Council voted Feb. 18 to table immediate action on both companies’ proposals to generate revenue for
the past three years.” Through these audits, Hoffman said the company may find ways the town can save money or it may find the town is getting the best deal possible. He said Utility Management does not charge its clients up front but splits any savings 50-50 with a client during a required four-year agreement.
the town. The first presentation came from Utility Management’s Ron Hoffman, who said it conducts electric rate audits for companies and municipalities to save them money on their utilities. “It’s a simple process,” Hoffman said. “We contact Alabama Power on your behalf and look at your data from
The second presentation was given by Yolanda Watkins from Avenu Insight, formerly known as Revenue Discovery Systems (RDS). Based on calculations the group made, Watkins said Eclectic could save $8,500 a year by changing its sales tax collection service from the Alabama Department of See COUNCIL • Page 2
Commission approves appointments County also approves vacating road near Lake Jordan By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Donald Campbell / The Observer
Eclectic Elementary School principal Timothy Turley sits with a group of first-graders Thursday morning, watching as they complete an assignment on the difference between a person and a place.
Turley enjoys serving in leadership role Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series profiling principals in the Elmore County School System. By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer It is often said it takes a special person to be a teacher and it’s just as true for those who serve as principals
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since they must handle a wide range of issues to make sure the school is achieving its full potential. Among those special individuals is Timothy Turley, the principal at Eclectic Elementary School. “I like dealing with people,” Turley said. “I enjoy trying to solve problems and resolve issues.”
Following a six-year stint in the U.S. Army, Turley began his teaching career in 1998 at Wetumpka High School before coming to Eclectic Elementary School in 2003 to serve as assistant principal. He was promoted to principal in 2009. “It’s a humbling experience to know See TURLEY • Page 3
Openings on a pair of local water boards were filled during the Elmore County Commission at Monday night’s meeting. The commission approved William “Bill” Newton to fill a vacant seat on the Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority board, and approved the reappointment of Charles “Ronnie” Bazzell to continue his service on the Elmore Water and Sewer Authority board. During the time the commission left an application window open to all interested parties, all of the commissioners had nothing but positive things to say about both men. Following a public hearing during Monday night’s work session, the commission approved a petition to vacate a public road off Hummingbird Lane near Lake Jordan. According to a homeowner wanting to build a new home on the property the road runs through, the road was once used for logging and platted by the county but there have been no efforts to develop along the road. See COMMISSION • Page 7
Affected Elmore County residents eligible for SBA loans STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
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Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday that Alabama businesses and residents affected by severe weather and a tornado on Jan. 19 can apply this week in Wetumpka for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration. SBA administrator Linda McMahon made the loans available in response to a letter from Ivey on Feb. 14 requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA covering Elmore, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa, Macon, Montgomery and Tallapoosa counties. “With the approval of my request for federal assistance, the Small Business Administration is providing a much-needed opportunity for recovery funding to the citizens of Wetumpka,” Ivey said. “Many individuals and businesses will benefit greatly from the federal disaster loans that SBA offers as they continue to recover following the devastating tornado that heavily damaged parts of the community.” SBA’s Customer Service Representatives will be See LOANS • Page 2
File / The Observer
Elmore County residents affected by the Jan. 19 torado can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday.
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