Year-end numbers look good

At Monday’s meeting, Albany city council members reviewed unofficial year-end figures as of March 31, 2019, with city manager Billy Holson noting a few amended overages and stating that he is starting on a five-year capital improvement plan.

“We ended the year in good shape, and since we’ve accumulated some funding over the last few years for capital improvements, I intend to work on a long-range plan that will explain how we’re going to spend that money,” said Holson.

He added that city employees continue to work hard to keep expenses down as much as possible.

“All of us agree that the staff, undermanned as they are, do a great job,” said council member Carolyn Waller. “I think the staff as a whole works well together, and we thank you for being that kind of leader that inspires them to be great employees.”

Holson reported that most city employees were working this week to resurface a portion of Railroad Street. That project is the first of several he hopes to complete during the warm months, he said, depending on available manpower.

Gas Line Replacement

Holson told the council that the replacement of gas lines by Atmos’ contractors is about 80 percent complete, but the company is leaving for an indefinite period of time to work in another community.

“They should have all the street repair done that’s associated with the work so far, but if anyone has a problem, they can call City Hall,” said Holson.

Pool Rates

After discussion, the council opted to raise rental rates for the city pool from $125 to $150 for a two-hour time slot.

The household summer pass price was raised from $100 to $150, but individual daily rates were left at $2.50 per person.

There was no action on adding morning swim times, with the council deciding to wait until two pool managers are in place and see if there is an adequate number of lifeguards.