Livingston Hazard Mitigation Application Appears Dead, For New Reason
Livingston’s hazard mitigation application will not move forward, after TEMA shared another new explanation for why during Monday’s Board of Aldermen meeting. This time, FEMA cited an ongoing legal battle from a Bradford Street property owner against the city. “Now you’re telling us we can’t approve it because it’s a lawsuit and it is a […]
Van Buren Committee Approves Funding Daycare Project At Masonic Building
The Van Buren County Masonic Building could receive the needed funding to upgrade the vacant structure to a new daycare facility. The county’s Committee B approved $30,000 to bring the building up to codes. Mayor Greg Wilson said at least three parties have expressed interest in opening a facility. “One thing that Van Buren County doesn’t […]
Monterey Aldermen Approve Local Bank Search For Wastewater Plant
Monterey will be gauging interest from local banks for loans to fund its new wastewater treatment plant. The Board of Aldermen approved the next step in the project Monday. Certified Municipal Finance Officer Ella Dishman said the town needs a line of credit of $6 million over a two-year term length. “At the end of […]
Community Members Voice Concerns About Funding At BEP Town Hall
A local attorney said it is important public tax dollars continue to fund public schools at Tuesday night’s BEP Town Hall. Anne Austin said she worries that there’s more to the idea of revisiting the BEP formula. “I am a strong proponent of a strong public education system,” Austin said. “That means funding it with […]
BEP Town Hall Discussion Focuses On Equity In School Funding
Equity. That was the word most used at Tuesday night’s forum on public school funding. Jackson Schools High School Supervisor of Instruction Deb Whitaker said that when the state recognizes smaller counties have had to make do with their resources. “We have to do the same things that systems ten times our size do with […]
Overton Schools Redoing LA Restrooms With COVID Money
Renovations will be made to all student restrooms of Livingston Academy over Christmas break. Director of Schools Donnie Holman said facilities will be getting a new paint job as well as touchless sinks, new counter tops and stalls. “That’s something that needed attention for quite some time, and we want that to really look better […]
Van Buren Committee To Work On Spending Plan For Water, Sewer
Van Buren County will have some $2.8 million to spend on water and sewer projects through TDEC’s American Rescue Plan funding. But how will the county prioritize who will benefit from the money? Mayor Greg Wilson said four commissioners have been assigned to a committee that will work with utility districts to form a recommendation. […]
Monterey Committee Works On COVID Stipends For Employees
Employee bonuses, mental health services, and departmental upgrades could be avenues of spending for Monterey’s ARP funding. The Finance Committee discussed Tuesday the spending of some $850,000 of federal funding. Chairman Nathan Walker said the most pressing item at this time is the employee bonuses for those who worked through the pandemic. “Being equable and […]
Byrdstown Creating Spending Plan For ARP Funding From TDEC
The Byrdstown Board of Aldermen discussed Monday possible projects for American Rescue Plan funding coming from TDEC. The state department has dedicated a portion of some $2 billion to each county. Mayor Sam Gibson said the funding will come through Pickett County and amounts to some $2.6 million. “Are we going to do the Industrial […]
UCHRA Grant Program For Energy Bill Assistance Increases Benefits
A UCHRA federal grant program for energy bills has received more money, meaning benefit amounts for applicants have increased. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program helps income eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. Community Services Manager Tashanna Hooks said the maximum amount for a household went up from $650 to $1,000. “It’s very helpful […]
