By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

The town of Hayneville may soon implement a water conservation plan if deemed necessary by the city’s water operations.

The decision came during the July 12 town council meeting after Mayor Helenor Bell and members of the town council made it clear that with the town running on one well, it may be necessary to conserve water.

Ideas were discussed to possibly alternate conservation by address and days of the week.

“We will do our best to make it through the summer, get the other well back online and get a new well,” said Water Operator and Project Manager Ronnie Daniels.

Council member Carole Srushy stated the need for the town to get rid of all leaks that have not been addressed.

Daniels said he would work to get Rural Water out to the area again to assist in looking for leaks.

Bell stated that some leaks could not be repaired with certain pipes being in the condition they are in.

“We would lose more water in the process of repairing those leaks,” said Bell. “They are really old pipes and we don’t know how long certain residents would be without water after we cut the pipes to repair them.”

Other items discussed on the July 12 town meeting agenda:

– Bell spoke about Hayneville’s visit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).

“They were impressed with how well we handle things now,” said Bell. “They do recognize the need we have for a third well.”

Bell said it is “important for the citizens of Hayneville to receive water”, but there may be a need for the town raise its water rates.

Water rates in Hayneville are somewhat lower than compared to the rates of surrounding towns.

– The town opened a checking account to pay funds to the sidewalk contractor and the company will fill the area between CC’s restaurant and Bell Enterprises free of charge.

– The council decided unanimously to grant a business license for Twin’s Beauty Supply. The store sells beauty products and wigs.

– Michael Hayes appeared before the council to ask for a business license to open a bail bondsman business.

The council said they will need to further review its effect on Hayneville before a decision can be made.

– The town council decided unanimously to revise the agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to decrease the amount of grant money the town receives from $185,000 to $155,000.

This will allow the town to prepare for any unknown expenses that may accrue during the sidewalk project.

– The council voted to sign the letter received from the USDA for grant funds totaling $135,000. The vote was carried unanimously.

– It was decided AlaTax will continue collecting taxes for the town of Hayneville and will now make sure people have business licenses.

– Hayneville will declare unpaid water bill accounts as dead since they cannot be collected on. Those unused meters are now being pulled.