The city of Grayville received a boost to it’s cash on hand courtesy of a nearly, $77,500 deposit from Edwards County taxes. The city now has more than 2 million in assets again after dipping below that mark at the last meeting. With White County’s taxes still nowhere near being ready to even be sent out, the council was forced to move forward with a best guess for it’s tax levy ordinance for that portion. Commissioners passed Ordinance 901 Monday night for an estimated $287,235, a 1 to 1.5% increase. They also passed a related abatement ordinance.
Also Monday night, we learned We Care Day Care in Grayville is the recipient of a $13,000 Downstate Stabilization Grant. Mayor Travis Thompson made the announcement noting that the grant Chappy’s was awarded earlier this year took about 4 months to process.
In addition, Commissioners accepted an insurance bid; going with RMA at a cost of around $68,050. Finance Commissioner David Jordan said even though they didn’t go with local agent Rick Davis’ First Insurance bid, they were immensely grateful that he put in the work to provide a competitive offer.
“If we’d been a thousand or two off, it would’ve been no question on my part. But the financial constraints that we’re in and looking down the road, I don’t see how we could pass up an offer to save nearly $40,000 over the next 2 years. I do want the council to understand part of my dilemma on approving RMA, a little over 5 years ago, our premium went over $130,000. Now we had several major workman’s comp claims and a few more employees, but this is what competitive bidding will do for you. And I appreciate Rick working with us this past year and again making a bid this year because without his actions, I think we’d be looking at probably a $15,000 – $20,000 higher premium.”
There were no other major action items on the Grayville agenda and without an executive session, the meeting ended just before 7:30pm. Grayville City Council is due to reconvene for their first December meeting on the 14th.
