After taking the oath of office, Mayor Charles Hadsock gave the 2013 annual report for the City of Climax at the Feb. 10 council meeting. Other council members taking the oath of office were Elizabeth Phillips and Sandra Thomas.
Mayor Hadsock stated that the economy continued to be stagnant during the past year, presenting many ups and downs to the operation of the city’s government. He said the revenues continued to decline in 2013, while the expenses to maintain the same level of services increased steadily during the year. He stated that the Federal and State agencies continued to shift responsibilities and cost down to the local municipalities.
Although the city’s revenue is shrinking, Hadsock said, the council did not increase the milage rate and had no reductions in city services and had no employees layoff or furloughs.
“I am pleased to report as we enter into 2014, the city of Climax is solvent, and we are able to meet our obligations,” he said. “For the past four years we have held the line on expenditures, spending only what was necessary for the operation of our city government.”
Hadsock explained that the council continues to search for ways to improve the operational efficiency of city employees and the operation of the city government.
“This will be a continuing process through my term as Mayor,” he said. “I would like to thank the citizens of Climax for allowing me to serve as your mayor and with your help and cooperation we will continue to make Climax a better community to live in.”
Hadsock went on to thank the City Council and the city employees for their support, cooperation and dedication working as a team to move Climax forward.
One of the positive things for Climax in 2013 was the replacement of the water system with a GDBG Water Improvement Grant. The mayor and council also completed a City of Climax Employee Manual to meet GIRMA policies and to establish written rules and requirement for the city employees.
Also installed was a Tag Reader system and mobile automated ticket writing system for the police car.
In 2013, the council also worked with county and other municipalities within Decatur County on the Local Option Sales Tax distribution. The council voted unanimously to accept this proposed break-down of the SPLOST.
The city revised the current credit card system to intuit system. This is used for credit card payment for traffic fines, water and garbage fees and other city fees and taxes. The council conducted interviews for a city police chief. John Presilla was unanimously chosen to be the permanent City of Climax Police Chief.
Public Comments
Paul Jackson spoke to the council seeking approval for opening an appliance repair and sales business to be located in the old Kudzu cottage building on Broad Street. The council voted unanimously in favor with the necessary licenses and water hook ups through the city.
Reports
Council Woman Sandra Thomas gave an update on the progress of the Children’s play park. She said the committee hoped to add a picnic area, and complete other projects in the park sometime this year.
Police Chief John Presilla cautioned all to be aware of the school zone as he had given some warnings including the school bus.
Maintenance supervisor Greg Toole reported that he had the permit for the burn pit and would be burning debris soon.
There was no report from the Volunteer Fire department.
New Business
The council granted permission to the W.M. Jones family to place the original 1924 plaque from Bell Dixon School on some type of monument in Parker Park at no cost to the City. The City will have the option as to where the plaque may be placed.