Manila Mayor Wayne Wagner and council members discussed several projects and the estimated cost of each at a special called meeting Tuesday evening.
City officials will be asking voters to extend a one percent sales tax which will allow the city to upgrade water department equipment, along with funding several other needed projects. The city presently has a 1.25 percent sales tax. The .25 percent will remain for park/pool maintenance and operation.
Mayor Wagner pointed out the need to be specific to the voters on what the generated funds will be used for if the tax extension passes.
With the extension of the one cent tax, the projects can be done with no increase in taxes or increase in city utilities.
The vote for the proposed tax extension will be held Sept. 12. June 17 is the deadline for the council to have the ballot proposal outline ready. It is estimated the bond issue could generate $2.4 million as a starting point for construction funds, repay the Series 2012 bonds, and establish bond maturity and annual payment.
An estimated cost to purchase new automated meter reading equipment is $450,000.
Some of the meters can be upgraded and others will have to be replaced.
In addition to the automated reading system, another $30,000 to $50,000 can be used to upgrade the water treatment plant.
Other proposed projects and estimates included a rescue truck for the fire department at $210,000; police department equipment $10,000 and two vehicles at $25,000 each; remodel the 25 year old airport center at an estimated $75,000; patching potholes and paving new streets at an estimated $300,000. Other project suggestions discussed included new lighting, concession building, sign, playground equipment and courts resurfaced at the park.
New pump houses for the sewer department, culverts to help with drainage, and building repairs to city hall, the former daycare building, new city signs and the old Fred's building on main street were other projects discussed.
Mayor Wagner also mentioned adding an addition to the swimming pool along with more seating area.
Resident Jerry Hitchcock was present at the meeting and was asked if he had any comments. Hitchcock said work needs to be done on the sewer system. He said his area of town has problems every time there is a three or four inch rain. Hitchcock said there needs to be a better way of getting the sewage out of town across the highway. He said the majority of all of the town's sewer goes to one area.
“We have three areas but you are right, the majority goes to the one area across from the cotton warehouse,” Mayor Wagner said.
Mayor Wagner said they could look at rerouting some of the lines utilizing the other areas more.
Councilman Jason Baltimore talked about possible FEMA funding for sewer work. He said the city has been working on the sewer system but years and years of building without proper elevation makes it difficult to fix all of the problems.
Council members agreed they need good cost estimates and specific projects the tax extension will fund. There will be public meetings held to discuss with citizens the proposed tax extension before the vote.
Mayor Wagner informed the council there would be four or five high school kids hired to help with mowing and weed eating during the season. Bill Huddleston will oversee the work.
“If you see any places needing maintenance please call city hall,” Mayor Wagner said.
He also said cold patch had been ordered to fill in potholes.
The council went into executive session to discuss personnel but no action was taken.
A special meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 3.