Red Bay's sewer needs $700 K in improvements

By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
RED BAY – The Red Bay City Council voted to apply for the USDA loan/grant program, which will help fund the $700,000 worth of improvements needed to bring the city's sewage system up to code.
The city went under a consent order in September 2007 and was fined $25,000 because the sewer system was not up to code.
Mayor Jeff Reid said that the city will only pay $12,400 of the fine because they immediately agreed to make the improvements to the system instead of appealing the decision.
Under the USDA loan/grant program, the city should only have to pay between 10 and 45 percent of the $700,000.
"The sewer problem is a result of years and years of neglect," Reid said.
The city could have made the improvements gradually had the system not been inspected, but Reid said that the city has no choice but to bring the system up to code, or risk more fines.
In other business, the council voted to:
The current truck is mechanically sound, but repairs to the bed of the truck will be done to keep it on the road.
Moore's original term will end on Feb. 15, 2008, and his second term on the committee will begin.
The next regular council meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Red Bay City Hall.