Chipley Council approves tentative almost $11.4 million budget .....................

Approves tentative millage at 7.000 mils

by Kathy Foster

Adopting a tentative 2018-2019 final budget of $11,389,991, Chipley City Council members said the final budget will be voted on Sept. 27th.

Council members did discuss the budget presented for the 2019 Fireworks display, but directed City Administrator Dan Miner to move those funds to the contingency line item and said they will be addressed at a later date by the council in place at that time.

Outgoing Council Member Karen Rustin said she felt the the 4th of July fireworks display was good for the community.

However, Councilman Brett Butler said he didn’t think the fireworks show was meeting its original objective and said he understands the lack of interest local churches have in funding the show. He also pointed out that Vernon puts on a major fireworks display that draws residents from around Washington County.

Council members decided they would let the new board make the final decision on whether or not the City of Chipley will foot the bill for the 2019 fireworks show.

Moving from the Special Council Meeting to discuss the budget into their regular session Tuesday evening, Council members opened the latter session with a tribute to the 2,996 who lost their lives in the 2001 World Trade Center attack and the more than 6,000 who were injured. Council Chair John Sasser said it is always important to remember that “Freedom Isn’t Free”.

The following agenda items were approved at the meeting:

Abandonment of an unopened right-of-way on Gilbert Drive.

Zoning change for zoning for property located at 1232 South Boulevard from median density to neighborhood commercial.

Abandonment of an unopened right-of-way for Max Wells at East Boulevard and Pecan Street.

Abandonment of an unopened right-of-way for on Oak Avenue for Terry Kirkland.

P&Z recommendation for residential home placement at 965 Haywood Drive for Don Harrel.

P&Z recommendaiton for residential home placement at 996 Haywood Drive for Don Harrel.

P&Z recommendation of an office expansion for Gulf Power at 1195 Jackson Avenue (Councilmember Tracy Andrews who is an employee of Gulf Power abstained from voting).

Special Event application for Chiply High School Homecoming Parade for Oct. 19th at 12:30 p.m.

Special Event application for St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for a 5K Run on Nov. 3 starting at 8:30 a.m.

Special Event applicati on for the American Cancer Society April 12, 2019 Relay For Life event to be held at Pal’s Park from 6 p.m. until midnight.

Special Event application for the Merchants of Historic Chipley – Trunk or Treat set for Oct. 27th at Pal’s Park.

Special Event application for the Washington County Public Library to hold a Movie Night showing “A League of Their Own” at Pal’s Park on Oct. 2nd beginning at 6:30 p.m.