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McBee applies for $350,000 water‑meter grant and unanimously hires former Rural Development representative
Summary
Mayor Glenn Odom told the council he has applied for a $350,000 state grant to replace water meters and the council voted to hire former Rural Development representative Stewart Hucks as an hourly independent contractor to help with federal funding and project closeouts; officials also updated the public on police‑building funding and department recognitions.
The Town of McBee has applied to the state for a $350,000 grant to replace water meters that town officials say have been in service more than 20 years and can no longer be serviced with replacement parts.
"These meters have been in the ground for 20+ years, and you can’t get the parts to do the automatic read," Mayor Glenn Odom told the council, adding that a new system would allow staff to drive routes along Highway 1 and Highway 151 and automatically collect readings. Odom said the meter program would be fully paid for with grant money if the application is successful.
Separately, the council authorized hiring Stewart Hucks, a former Rural Development representative, as an hourly independent contractor to help the town with federal funds and project closeouts. Councilman James Linton moved to hire Hucks; Councilman Robbie Liles seconded the motion and the item passed with "All in favor." Liles said, "I think it’s a great idea with all the federal funds we’re waiting on. A man with good experience… It’s a no brainer for me. It’s a win‑win."
Mayor Odom also reported the town was reimbursed for recent police car purchases and that $350,000 is expected to pay for the Police Building, with Representative Cody Mitchell asked to consider including the project in the state budget. The council recognized Chief Timothy Knight with an award naming him Best Police Chief of 2024, and officers described a new K‑9, Bane, as a tracking dog intended for searches and school/community relations.
Procedurally, the council approved the Feb. 4, 2025 minutes (motion by Robbie Liles, seconded by James Linton) and adjourned the meeting on a unanimous motion by Mayor Odom and second by Liles.
No dollar total for the overall Police Building project or a full procurement contract amount for the Multi‑Purpose Building was recorded in the meeting minutes; councilors said some funding steps remain pending.
