Council approves online tax payments for businesses
The Madison City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday night that will allow businesses to pay sales, lodging and rental taxes online.
The resolution calls for the city to pay $1.21 per transaction, which is anticipated to cost the city approximately $1,000 per year.
“We’re not raising taxes,” stressed Mayor Paul Finley.
The resolution aligns the city’s code with the Alabama Department of Revenue.
Another resolution was passed establishing an account for at First Commercial for depositing the funds.
City Revenue Director Cameron Grounds said businesses should be able to begin filing online in 60-90 days.
In other actions:
—The council unanimously approved an agreement with the Madison Arts Council for its annual appropriation.
The 2010-11 appropriation is for $3, 420.
“That’s probably the best bargain for all those guys do,” said Council District 1 representative Tim Holcombe.
—The council made appointments to five city boards. The appointments are:
Beautification and Tree Board
Lisa Thomas, Place 14
Amy Robison, Place 15
Industrial Development Board
David Cochran, Place 4
Richard Knox, Place 5
Madison Station Historic Preservation Committee
Larry Anderson, Place 4
Jeanne Steadman, Place 7
Water and Wastewater Board
Steve Haraway, Place 4
Well Head Protection Committee
Charles Campbell, Place 7
—City Clerk Melanie Williard announced that six people have inquired about the Council District 7 vacancy, yet only two have fully filled out their application packet. The deadline to apply for the seat vacated by former president and current State Senator Bill Holtzclaw will be Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 5 p.m.
—The council authorized the submission of a Safe Routes to Schools grant application in the amount of $183,883 to the Alabama Department of Transportation. There are no local matching funds required for this grant.
—Approved a request to add U.S. 72 roadway improvements (from Balch Road to Hughes Road) to the Capital Improvement Plan project listing in the amount of $300,000. The council also approved engineering services for the project.
—Authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with Geographix Inc. for topographical mapping of Palmer and Dublin Parks.
—The council authorized the purchase of two police vehicles for the K-9 units totaling $43,832. The money will be paid from the Federal Seizure account.
“Our dogs just found $6,000 and 2 pounds of marijuana last week, so they are very beneficial to us,” said Police Chief Larry Muncey.
