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City seeking funding for rehabilitation of water tanks

City seeking funding for rehabilitation of water tanks

By Debbie Gamble
At Monday night’s City Council meeting all members were present except Councilwoman Handly.
Russell Holland from Southern Engineering Solutions, formally DMD Engineering, was present and spoke with the council about the deteriorating condition of the water tank behind the Camden Baptist Church and the one located on the Camden Bypass. He said there are not many grants available for these repairs and no CDBG grant was available. He said the cost of the repairs would be between $525,000 and $535,000. Holland has been talking with Nivory Gordon at USDA and there is the possibility the City might could receive a “loan forgiveness” grant or partial loan/partial grant for the rehabilitation of the tanks. He also said he wanted to add a SCADA system (included in the total cost) which would allow the city to monitor the water levels and pumps 24 hours a day. The council gave approval for Holland to move forward with an application to the USDA for a loan/grant for the rehabilitation of the tanks.
Mayor Baggett told the council that several of the members had attended an Emergency Preparedness meeting before coming to the city council meeting and it was reported that there is not a designated storm shelter in the county. He said several churches open as non-official shelters but anyone using these places should provide their own food, water and supplies. He said they also urged mobile home residents to find a more substantial structure available should the need arise.
Mayor Baggett told the council the summer workers are doing a good job and they already have the next group selected for the July session.
The council approved to make a $500 contribution to the Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming fireworks show to be held July 2nd at Shadow Creek.
The next City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, July 5th at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.

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