Trezevant Board Discusses Traffic, Water Bill Concerns

TREZEVANT (September 10) — The Trezevant town council met Tuesday with a light agenda. Discussion mostly paved the way for action in the coming months on several issues including fire department pay, drug policy, traffic concerns and the reading of water meters.

Mayor Bobby Blaylock was resolute that, beginning next month, water meters would be read within the first two days of the month. He said meters were not always being read in a timely manner, and that it was leading to some citizens paying more than they should. He explained if a customer uses close to the minimum billable amount each month, a reading covering extra days one month would result in the customer paying more than the minimum amount. In his example, if the next month the meter is read earlier, the customer must still pay at least the minimum amount. The result is the customer paying more than the minimum over the two-month period despite using less than the minimum in each billing cycle.

Board members discussed raising fire department compensation, which is currently $25 per meeting or incident attended. Mayor Blaylock asked that the town find out rates in surrounding towns before setting the new pay rate.

A motion was made and approved to have Town Attorney Charles Trotter prepare a new drug policy for the town’s employees based on the policy suggested by MTAS, which Trotter described at the August meeting as robust and thorough and as providing greater protections for all parties involved.

A second and final reading was approved on budget amendments reflecting minor last-minute adjustments to the fiscal year 2025 budget before it is submitted to the state.

Aldermen discussed the terms of an ad seeking a new city recorder/court clerk in anticipation of Kathy Edwards’ retirement early next year. Duties include keeping the town’s records, attending all town meetings, acting as the tax collector for the town and acting as the court clerk under the instruction of the town judge. The ad will offer pay starting at $14.50 per hour or higher based on experience.

Discussion was held on increasing safety at the four-way stop in town by possibly adding a flashing light or rumble strips. The town would be responsible for funding any such endeavor as the state only provides signage for the four-way stop.

The meeting adjourned after 42 minutes, but two citizens in attendance initiated discussions with the board immediately following the adjournment.

Roxanne Young voiced her concerns about the lack of a crossing guard in front of West Carroll Elementary School. In recent years, the school had provided a guard, but Young said the school informed her the town was responsible. The mayor and board expressed their intention to communicate with school officials to resolve the matter.

Rita Galloway expressed urgency for the town to hire additional police officers. Alderman Don Barger, the police department liaison, stated that the town was attempting to acquire another patrol vehicle and hire a part-time officer.