Council mulls gasoline tax increase
Madison City Council will consider an increase in the city’s gasoline tax from 2 to 5 cents for funds to improve collector roads. RECORD PHOTOS
MADISON – Appropriations, roads and the gasoline tax were the focus of Madison City Council’s meeting on March 28.
Director Miki Bennett with Madison Animal Rescue Foundation (MARF) accepted $15,000 for its annual appropriation. Bennett said the funds will pay to spay/neuter and give rabies vaccinations to animals in their care.
MARF’s appropriation increased from $10,000 last year. MARF deals with about 600 animals annually.
Chris Newlin, Executive Director of National Children’s Advocacy Center, accepted $10,000 for the center’s annual appropriation. “We continue to be a beacon of hope for children around the world,” Newlin said.
During public comments, District 2 resident Lamar Stevens commended council for accepting bids for the new pool at the recreational complex under construction on Celtic Drive.
In payments, council approved $59,009.34 to Holzheimer Bolek & Meehan for architectural and engineering services for Madison Public Library’s new facility. In expenses for natatorium and recreation facility construction, Volkert & Associates received payment 11 for $33,500 and Nola Van Peursem Architects PC received $81,900.
District 2 Councilman Steve Smith asked for rules to be suspended to immediately approve 2016-A General Obligation School Warrants for $9,535,000.
At its April 11 meeting, council will discuss Smith’s motion for Superior Pest Control to spray Dublin and Palmer parks for mosquitoes, ticks and fleas in eight applications during summer, not to exceed $9,000.
District 4 Councilman Mike Potter proposed to increase gasoline tax by the city from 2 to 5 cents. This action would yield “$540,000 annually to put in a kitty to pave and improve our (74 miles of) collector streets. We take care of collector roads now in crisis mode,” Potter said. “I don’t want to bond the money or dance with ALDOT unless we have to.”
Council will conduct a community involvement meeting for the proposed tax increase on April 11. Palmer, Hardiman and Segers roads are examples of ‘collector streets.’
Council approved request for off-premise beer, wine and liquor license from Krishna, Krishna Inc., dba Flagstone Food Mart, at 8066 Madison Blvd.
Tidewater Landscape Management was awarded a grounds-keeping contract for the city’s public spaces at $2935.83 per month.
A first reading was presented for electronic vote counting devices for municipal elections.
Residents can apply for one open slot each with Madison Beautification and Tree Board and Recreation Advisory Board. For Madison Board of Education, Place 3, occupied by Ranae Bartlett, is up for review this year. Bartlett has applied for re-appointment. Deadline for applicants for the school board opening is April 15.
Council President Tim Holcombe’s motion passed to reschedule the regular council meeting set for May 23 to May 24, thus avoiding conflict with Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools’ graduation ceremonies on May 23.
