WEST POINT, Ala. – The Town of West Point over the past month has been upgrading the interior of the town’s community center. Old tables have been replaced with new round tables and chairs, renovations to the kitchen have begun and walls have been painted throughout the building. The new look has created a brighter and more inviting space for parties, gatherings and other activities.
The West Point Town Council voted to increase the rental fee for the center beginning Jan. 1, 2020.
Mayor Gerald Schafer said, “It has not been raised since I can remember, ever. We are not really trying to make money on this.”
The fee will be raised from $50 to $70 with a refundable $30 cleaning fee.
Those who have already paid for use of the building into 2020 will not be affected by the rate increase.
The council approved a resolution Monday night to apply for a $250,000 grant in hopes of resurfacing County Road 1141 from County Road 1246 to County Road 1114. The funding is available through the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and for the Rebuild Alabama Act Annual Grant Program. The grant program was established as a result of the 10-cent gas tax increase passed earlier this year by the Alabama Legislature.
The council also began discussions regarding the Town’s business license fees. The proposed increase would take the license fee from $40 to $50 plus a $5 issuance fee. Late fees will also be accessed at $25. The proposed increase would go into effect Jan. 1, 2020. The council plans to have an ordinance written and will conduct the first reading at its November council meeting.
Schafer said, “We don’t want this to be a hindrance and no more than that is, it’s not.”
The council said the town is struggling to keep the community’s food pantry stocked. It is asking area churches for help, especially with the holidays coming up, to make sure the pantry stays full for those in the community in need of assistance.
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