Columbia is moving forward with the next step in drainage project intended to better control of flash flooding on Main Street. The move to solicit bids for Phase I was approved at the Board of Aldermen meeting on April 20.
Phase I includes replacing the pipes underground from 48” to 60” from Broad Street to South Main Street. The entire project is planned in five phases. The first phase is estimated to cost $500,000, which the city has already received from the Mississippi Legislature. The return date on the bids will be July 7.
On April 19, downtown Columbia experienced a flash flood when six inches of rain fell in a short period of time. Mayor Justin McKenzie said at least 17 buildings had water come inside. To allow businesses to seek help from state and federal agencies, the board voted to declare a local emergency.
The board voted to cancel personal tax liens against Wendell Holland in the amounts of $7,150 and $8,065 because they were erroneously placed. The liens were supposed to be placed against the corporation of Harry Taylor Discount Building Supply Inc. The board also voted to place the liens on the corporation.
Personnel matters included Jeffery Stamps moving from part-time to full-time with the police department and the hire of William Marlen as full-time for the fire department.
City Clerk Maria Temples reported the sales tax received was $233,788 for March. The amount from last March was $246,000, which was a 4.6% drop.
Cities throughout the state are struggling because of a reduction in sales because of the coronavirus, with the biggest effect expected in April. The city of Hattiesburg, whose collections were down 15% in March, announced layoffs Monday, although Hattiesburg did not say how many jobs would be lost.
