Facing a looming $1.6 million budget deficit, the Piedmont City Council, on Tuesday, sought a number of cost saving measures, which included reversing an earlier decision to renew its air ambulance coverage.
Previously, city officials had unanimously voted to renew the yearly contract with Air Evac to provide the service at a cost of $17,301.
A month later, however, several council members began to have second thoughts. Council Member Bobby Hardin questioned the whether it was the city government’s responsibility to pay for any part of a citizen’s medical care, especially with the city’s budget woes. Other council members agreed that the spending deficit should take priority.
Mayor Bill Baker advised the council against making a habit of “flip-flopping,” as was common during the previous council. Hardin agreed, but said, “two wrongs don’t make a right,” adding, “I can admit when I was wrong.”
Terry Kiser was the lone council member to stand by his earlier vote to retain the emergency service.
Another large expense that officials say the city cannot currently afford, is the repair of the city’s only street sweeper. The 1992 model multipurpose truck is currently in Birmingham, awaiting close to $40,000 in repairs. The council, however, agreed to forgo the repairs and sell the truck.
The purchase of a new truck is also currently out of the question, as it would cost over $120,000. City officials said that after the sale of the old truck is complete, they may look at the possibility of a rental.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $616,246.68.
The next regular Piedmont City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st, following the work session, which is set for 5:30pm.