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Florence aldermen approve contracts, appointments and make mayor full-time; attorney to notify companies on Tabor claim
Summary
The Florence Board of Aldermen on July 1 approved multiple contracts and payments, confirmed a slate of municipal appointments, approved a budget amendment and made the mayor a full-time position at $70,000 per year; in executive session they authorized the city attorney to inform C-Spire and MSI, Inc. that the city is not liable for the Tabor claim and accepted a park employee resignation.
The Florence Board of Aldermen on July 1 approved a series of procurement actions, personnel appointments and financial measures during a regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall.
Mayor Trey Gunn called the meeting to order and noted a quorum of aldermen present. On the recommendation of Police Chief Brad Burns, the board approved sending Dispatcher Joanna Karras to 'Officer Involved Shootings and Critical Incidents' dispatch training July 14–15 in Pearl and authorized payment of the $300 registration fee and allowable related costs.
City Engineer Tim Parker presented procurement and contract items. The board approved Eagle Pipe and Supply's $6,792 quote for a 4-inch Inserta Valve (Hydra Stop), accepted an emergency-repair invoice of $24,107.93 from Maintenance Systems, Inc. for repairs to the Dogwood Hills pump station, and approved BSN Sports' $6,724.97 quote for three Onis Pro Net-wheeled pickleball nets. The board also approved Pay Request #7 to Hemphill Construction Company, Inc. for $12,900.20 related to the Hwy. 49 Eagle Post Road sanitary sewer additions Phase II project and authorized Mayor Gunn to execute a contract with Thornton Construction Company, Inc. for Phase III pending city attorney review of the contract documents.
Parker was also authorized to work with Horne CPA to explore whether the Jerry's Fish House project could be funded through ARPA.
On Mayor Gunn's recommendations the board confirmed a slate of city officers and professional service appointments: Alderman Brian Grantham was appointed mayor pro-tem (Grantham abstained from that vote), Bobby Lingold was named city attorney and prosecutor, Engineering Service was appointed city engineer, Linda Wigley was named city clerk, Windham & Lacey, PLLC were named municipal auditors, Brad Burns was appointed police chief, Melissa McCue was appointed court clerk, Kevin Stewart was appointed municipal judge, Witney Adams was appointed judge pro-tem and Greg Hemphill was appointed indigent attorney.
City Clerk Linda Wigley presented and the board approved the fiscal year 2025 Budget Amendment #1 and authorized disposal of surplus, non-functioning office equipment. The board voted to make the position of mayor full-time effective Aug. 1, 2025, at an annual salary of $70,000. The claims docket was approved unanimously. The board approved the minutes of June 17, 2025, with three ayes and two abstentions.
The board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss a Park Department personnel matter and potential litigation. In executive session Alderman Brent Sistrunk moved, seconded by Alderman John Banks, to authorize and direct City Attorney Bobby Lingold to draft a letter to C-Spire and MSI, Inc. stating the city is not liable for the Tabor claim; that motion carried. The board also accepted the resignation of park employee Randy Myers effective June 30, 2025.
The board returned to open session at 7:16 p.m. and adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
The meeting record indicates that most motions carried unanimously unless otherwise noted; where votes were recorded the minutes identify individual aye and abstain votes.
