(Left to right) Berlin Mayor Patrick Bates, Councilman Donald Gunter and Councilman Jimbo Quick discuss town business Monday night. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
BERLIN – The Berlin Town Council held its monthly meeting Monday night, welcoming Jeff Pruitt, executive director of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG), to present the benefits of joining the organization.
NARCOG provides a variety of consulting services and assistance in obtaining state and federal grants. Pruitt highlighted services available for the aging and disabled regarding insurance, legal matters and meals. He also explained the assistance NARCOG could provide in revitalization, community development and job development by way of available grants that could fit the needs of Berlin.
The Berlin council did not make a decision Monday night regarding joining NARCOG.
Mayor Patrick Bates reported on tax revenues for August:
- Sales tax- $14,630. 27
- Beer tax- $92.56
- TVA – $1,238
Bates asked the council to approve purchasing workers compensation insurance saying, “We are not legally required to do so but I believe it’s wise to have just in case.” The council approved the request.
A resolution was also passed for the Town of Berlin to assume responsibility of public roads beginning on May 1, 2020. Towns are required to take over maintenance and upkeep of roads within two years of incorporation. The Town has not begun receiving monies from the gasoline tax which is earmarked for road maintenance.
The FY 2019 budget could not be finalized until the resolution was settled. With the passing of the resolution, the FY 2019 budget does not require road maintenance to be included. Berlin is expected to begin receiving gas tax revenue in December 2018.
The council discussed the budget and considered the addition of four to six street lights outside of local businesses, the possibility of contracting with the County for a town deputy and contracts with the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department. The official budget will be presented by Bates at the October council meeting.
The council will also gather quotes for liability insurance coverage to be presented next month.
The council did vote to approve a requested contribution of $274.30 to the Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and $60 for the town clerk’s notary bond.
The next Berlin Town Council meeting will be Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Berlin Community Center.
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