COMMUNITY COLUMNISTS INSIDE TODAY.
THE
BUY FROM YOUR FRIENDS!
WEDNESDAY
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 November 18, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 230 www.alexcityoutlook.com
City works out final kinks in new budget
City Finance Director Sandra Machen and Councilman Bob Howard listen as numbers are crunched during Tuesday’s budget work session.
By Mitch Sneed Outlook Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
A balanced city budget will require the Alexander City City Council pull funds from its more than $11 million in reserves, but council members say they believe it is a necessary move. A plan to pull $2.5 million
from reserves to close a nearly $2 million shortfall was proposed at a Tuesday budget work session. That shortfall included more than $325,000 in pay increases to employees who had been denied proper step increases since 2008. Even though the council has commissioned a pay study from
By Cliff Williams
Shaw tells Chamber Luncheon crowd that city’s hands are tied
Outlook Staff Writer
Officials at Camp Hill say they have a revenue problem. “Between the IRS and some other things we just don’t have much,” Mayor Danny Evans said. With sewer system problems, owing the IRS over $100,000 and barely getting by the council has started looking into ways to increase revenue. “I think we need to look at all sources, not just one,” Council member Will York said. “Not to raise all of them but to see where we might be able to get additional revenue and also see where we are with other towns in the area.” York was not the only one with ideas – Mayor Evans had one too. “The town has 12 acres on Holley Ave.” Evans said. “It is the old filter plant. I think we need to sell it to help See CAMP HILL, Page 7
Today’s
Weather
72 51
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
483.31
Reported on 11/17/15 @ 7 p.m.
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
6
54708 90050
By Mitch Sneed Outlook Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Mayor Charles Shaw addresses the Chamber’s Quarterly Luncheon and talks about progress the city has made over the last year, and what they can expect in the future.
8
Alexander City Mayor Charles Shaw apparently struck a nerve when he talked about the challenges of getting property formerly owned by Russell Corp. cleaned up Tuesday. Speaking to those gathered for the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Luncheon, Shaw said despite what seems to be slow progress on the demolition, the city believes there is little that they can do to speed it along. “We’ve received numerous calls about the unsightliness of this area,” Shaw said. “We have been in contact with Saucier Incorporated and we are See CLEANUP, Page 7
Turkey Trot Beer Run and Craft Beer Festival set Saturday By Corey Arwood Outlook Staff Writer
Low
Auburn University that will happen next year, the idea of ignoring a problem that has been haunting some employees for several years was too much to ignore, Council President Jim Spann said. “I don’t like the idea of pulling from reserves either, but it’s See COUNCIL, Page 2
Mayor addresses concerns over site cleanup
Camp Hill Council looks for new revenue
High
SEE SPORTS, B1 Benjamin Russell football set for quarterfinals.
A Saturday jog through the park with beer in hand (and no cop behind) A first of its kind festival for Alexander City is scheduled for this weekend at Strand Park, The Ultimate Turkey Trot Beer Run and Craft Beer Festival. It began as a way for competitors and spectators to socialize and unwind after a cross fit tournament. The day after the tournament, local breweries gathered to offer a beer tasting, showing off their latest concoctions and standard brews. The event became a sort of tradition after each tournament. Steve Denny, of Frontline Fitness, said that he only expanded on that tradition. And while it is a first for the area this is the fifth beer run and festival orchestrated by Denny, who said that he has hosted them in his home state of California, and noted that they are hosted frequently and not far
from here in Columbus. “Anybody can come out and enjoy,” Denny said. And as of Tuesday, Denny said they were looking at a turnout of around 200 to 300 people. There are expected to be five different local breweries represented at the festival, two of which will be Red Clay Brewery out of Opelika and Yellow Hammer of Huntsville. A local winery, Hodges Vineyards and Winery of Camp Hill, will offer an alternative venue to beer. But Denny said that there would also be a “neither” option. “It’s not one of those events where you have to drink alcohol to participate,” said Denny. He said that there will be something for all ages, and sections just for kids with Submitted / The Outlook inflatable bounce house style activities. Fliers like this have popped up across town for And to add to the festivity of the event, the beer dash and bash set for Saturday evening. See BEER, Page 7
USPS Permit # 013-080
Vapor Queen Competitive Pricing & Friendly Customer Service
QUIT SMOKING TODAY!
Top Quality E Juice that you can try before you buy!
*Bring in this ad for 10% off your purchase! Every Tuesday & Thursday...Buy a 30ml bottle, get a 10ml bottle FREE! 171 South Main Street, Alexander City • 256-392-4422
Dadeville Insurance Come see us for all your Insurance needs. •Progressive •Auto-Owners Insurance •The National Security Group •Sagamore •National General •And More
256-329-1313 Free Consultations
114 West Cusseta Street • Dadeville, AL
217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL
256-825-4612
“We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”