Audit approval, condemnation resolutions dominate meeting

The approval of a utilities audit and resolutions to condemn two properties on E. McNeil Street dominated the regular monthly meeting of the Magnolia City Council held Monday at 5 p.m. in the city council chambers. Councilman Gary Farrar stepped in for Mayor Parnell Vann, who was out of town and unable to attend the meeting.

After regular business was concluded, Bob Edstrom, the accountant who conducted the utilities audit, addressed the council on his findings. He reported to the council that the water department is doing pretty well, but the sewer system has a net loss. “The water system has some money available for repairs and is building additional funds,” he reported.

There were no major findings or issues in the audit. “Overall, you’re OK for the time being, but sewer will be an issue for the future,” Edstrom continued. When asked to forecast a specific date, he said perhaps within a year or two. After he completed his report on the audit, the council voted its approval.

With respect to the shortfall in revenue for the sewage department, the council and Magnolia Utilities were aware of it and had already adjusted sewage rates earlier in the year to offset some of the loss.

The council also approved resolutions to begin the condemnation process on two properties located on E. McNeil Street. The owner of the properties will be notified by certified mail and has to rehabilitate or remove the dilapidated structures within a specific period of time or the city can take action.

In other council business, Monty Harrington was reappointed to the Housing Authority Commission.

Kelli Souter was named Citizen of the Month by the council. Jennifer Hubbard, owner of Jennifer’s on the square, attended the meeting to present the award to Souter. Hubbard described the work Souter had just completed to make the recent Sparks in the Park event the biggest and best one ever. Four years ago, Souter wondered why Magnolia didn’t have such a celebration, and then she went to work to make it happen, said Hubbard.

“Whether it’s steak supper tickets, the Christmas Parade, working for the schools, or anything else, if you ask her to do it, she’ll do it,” Hubbard stated. “I don’t know what the town or schools would do without her hard work.” Souter is also a member of the city council.

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