Council approves funding agreement with the Butler County Board of Education

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 24, 2007

The Greenville City Council has approved the extension of a funding agreement with the Board of Education, which represents the city's share in the upcoming $26 million bond issuance for school construction projects.

The city agreed to extend its financial obligation to the school system for an additional 12 years from 2025 to 2037. The city currently pays the school district $550,000 annually as part of the debt service for Greenville High School, which is scheduled to end in 2024.

The year following, the city will pay the school system $300,000 per year.

&#8220This is the last piece of the puzzle,” said Superintendent Mike Looney. &#8220Much of the construction will occur right here in Greenville so it is wonderful that the city is supporting us in this way.”

Work has already begun, said Looney, at Greenville Middle School where builders are preparing to construct a bus parking area.

&#8220I know when my child gets to Greenville Middle School it is going to look a lot better than it does now,” said GMS Principal Jai Hill, who attended Monday night's council meeting. &#8220Facilities make a difference.”

The council's vote was unanimous.

&#8220I feel it's important for the community to support this,” said council member Tommy Ryan.

The Board of Education had already secured financial commitments from McKenzie (1 cent sales tax), Georgiana (1 cent sales tax), and the Butler County Commission (half-cent sales tax) for a multitude of building projects, including a new K-12 facility in Georgiana.

In other business:

n The council approved a resolution accepting the T-Hangar grant project at Mac Crenshaw Memorial Airport as complete. Total project cost was $502,053.

n The council approved a $2,500 sponsorship for the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce's &#8220Celebrate America” event to be held on Saturday, June 30 at Tiger Stadium.

n Approved the following expenditures: $2,000 to the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation as part of liability claim settlement; $1,325 to Hartley & Hickman as a March retainer and for legal fees; $1,197.37 to Greenville Motor Company for repair work to police car No. 58

Announcements:

n On Thursday, the Annual Senior Services Picnic will be held at Sherling Lake at 9:30 a.m.

n On Monday, May 28, Memorial Day, the day's garbage route will be run on Tuesday, May 29.