Comments (0) | |

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010

Centerville financially solid, report says

CENTERVILLE — Centerville is on solid financial footing going into 2010, according to a report submitted Tuesday to City Council.

“The city of Centerville has received an unqualified opinion that its assets have improved significantly over the past 10 years,” said Marlan Nichols of Nichols, Cauley & Associates LLC of Warner Robins. “That has enhanced their financial position to weather the current economic conditions that most governments are facing.”

The CPA firm, which has watched over Centerville’s finances during the last decade, presented its findings to the council. The full written report was not immediately available.

Mayor John Harley and Councilman Edward Tucker both credited the city’s employees and department heads for helping the city achieve its financial standing.

Nichols reported rather than spending more on water loss, Centerville is actually saving water. The city lost 64 million gallons in 2003, but dropped to 44 million gallons lost last year.

Also during the work session, an ordinance that would increase the cost of alcohol special event permits received its first reading. If approved, beer and wine off-premise fees would increase from $300 to $500, and catered event fees would increase from $35 to $300. The changes would bring the city in line with fees charged by Warner Robins.

The mayor and council also discussed the fate of two vehicles — the city’s first fire truck purchased new in 1970, and a 1940s-era fire truck bought by Centerville volunteer firefighters to be used in parades. Officials hope to facilitate a process whereby the trucks will be donated to, and restored by, a group of the city’s former firefighters and residents.