During their regularly scheduled meeting Monday, Feb. 11, the Tallapoosa City Council voted to extend their contract with the Georgia Environmental Financial Authority.

Last year, the city contracted to replace most of the water meters with meters that can be read via a computer, which is placed in the Water Authority’s vehicles and receives radio signals from the meter. The move was set to save the city time and money as it would no longer take two weeks for personnel to read the meters.

Now that all residential meters have been replaced with the new technology, the company has come in under budget. Therefore, the city voted to extend their contract until May and use the remaining $30,000 to replace eight industrial water meters in the city limits.

In other news, the council has narrowed down their selection for city solicitor to four candidates. The city has been in the process of selecting a new solicitor for since the resignation of Michael Hubbard. Tallapoosa City Manager Phillip Eidson said the city hopes to make a selection soon.

The city also continues to consider nominations for the Tallapoosa Downtown Development Authority. New members are expected to be appointed during the council’s regular meeting in March.

Eidson also updated the council on a new bill being presented to the General Assembly called the Georgia Renaissance Act. The bill is meant to revive Georgia’s downtowns by offering tax incentives for private sector investments in downtown areas.

If passed, the bill will establish a Georgia Downtown Partnership, which would commit funding to help with training, technical assistance and strategic visioning in order to identify investors and areas considered “Renaissance Ready,” according to the Georgia Municipal Association’s website.

“This will be a good program if the legislature will pass it,” Eidson said.

During the Mayor’s Report, Tallapoosa Mayor William “Pete” Bridges informed the council that he led a tour for members of Buchanan Boy Scout Troop No. 371 through City Hall, the fire department and the police department buildings so they could earn their “Tiger” badges.

Also, Councilman Bobby Parker was recognized during the GMA Annual Mayor’s Day Conference with the prestigious Certificate of Recognition. To receive a Certificate of Recognition, a city official must complete a minimum of 42 units of credit, including three required courses. The training program consists of a series of more than 40 six-unit courses. 

“Earning these certifications shows the dedication our city officials have to becoming more effective city officials,” Bridges said.

Also, the council will have a first reading regarding an “Enterprise Zone” on March 11. The ordinance will seek to offer tax incentives for those willing to locate a business within an “Enterprize Zone.”

The city is working with the Department of Community Affairs and Rural Development Council on the initiative. The ordinance’s final reading will be held on April 8.