From the Minutes:

Budget Committee.

STAFF REPORTS: (City Administrator) Mr. Short provided an update and spreadsheet on the March sales tax report, noting that the revenues were down 21.59% or $79,747 from the same time last year. Mr. Short added the year-to-date totals are down 1.94% overall from the same time last year but due to conservative budgeting the projections were still within budget.

Mr. Short explained there had been an error in the Fire Department’s submitted budget last year with the unintentional omission of certain personnel costs. Since the department was within budget at this point, Staff will monitor it over the next few months for a possible future adjustment.

Mr. Short reported that he and (City Clerk) Mrs. Campbell were working on revenue projections for next fiscal year and the Department Heads were in the process of completing budgets this week. All of the budgets would be combined to determine estimated fund balances for year end and next fiscal year.

Mr. Short stated the Library Board had requested detailed information on the Parks/Stormwater Fund and would possibly ask for additional operating funds during the Budget Hearings.

Mrs. Campbell requested Mr. Short explain the recent developments in the Amy Young Harrison fraud case. Mr. Short reported that Amy pleaded guilty that day to Felony B Stealing and received 45 days in the Jasper County Jail as part of the plea deal. Although expected, Mr. Short added the insurance company had not paid for the loss of funds documented at $64,681.72. If the insurance company does not pay, the City has the right to restitution. Mr. Short noted it was common practice for an insurance company to seek damages in civil action suit. If the funds are received, Mrs. Campbell requested the Court Bond Checking Account be replenished to cover any outstanding bonds.

Letter to the Editor.

Opinions expressed not necessarily those of the Mornin’ Mail.

I regret the actions of the board to support a resolution supporting an Early site Permit for Nuclear Power as published in your Wednesday Mar. 16 issue. But I imagine they don’t have much of a choice.

I personally cannot support the proliferation of more nuclear power until they can adequately dispose of the waste. Currently they can’t and they have no viable options available.

Is it safe? How about 3 mile island, Chernobyl, and now Japan. They all have checks and balances in place including back up generators, and yet, all systems some how failed, including the back ups for the back ups the back up the fail safe systems.

I know we need more power production facilities but the continued creation of radioactive waste we cannot get rid of and, the fact accidents and malfunctions do happen is not the way to a bright future.

Cordially, John James

I suppose the fact that opinions are so common, most fall into the category of bein’ mighty important to those who have ‘em, but don’t mean much to anyone else.

I’m sure everyone realizes that the other guy’s opinion might have some merit, but they’re afraid to admit it for fear he might think he’s right for a change. There’s nothin’ worse than a know-it-all who’s right. Makes folks fightin’ mad when that happens.

I personally make a habit of keepin’ my nose out of other people’s business, but I like ta listen to other people’s opinions. Not ‘cause they’re right necessarily, but because they may have thought of somethin’ I haven’t. Or they may be so far out in left field they start makin’ sense ‘bout somethin’ they aren’t even talkin’ about.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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Weekly Columns

Plaster Repair

Q: I rented an apartment in an older house that needs a little work, so I’m undertaking the interior painting. The walls are mostly old plaster and lath, with some uneven spots and a lot of small cracks. What’s the best way to smooth out the walls? How can I drill new holes to hang pictures without cracking the plaster? -- John B., Medford, Mass.

A: Small cracks in plaster tend to occur and recur in homes of any age as the foundation settles and as humidity and temperature constantly change. Smoothing spackle or plaster over the cracks is a quick fix, but they’ll probably reappear in a few months or years. Instead, purchase some mesh tape from the paint and drywall section of your home-improvement store. Place a strip of the tape over each crack, then spackle over the tape, and feather the edges to blend into the rest of the wall surface.

An uneven spot -- one that’s slightly concave -- can be smoothed out with plaster to match the rest of the wall surface. To make the plaster patch adhere more securely, tap several staples into the area to be patched, at random intervals. They should protrude a bit, but not past the level of the surrounding wall. Smooth plaster over the area, and allow to dry thoroughly before painting.

Drilling into plaster can be messy. At the very least, dust and bits of debris will fly. On older walls where the plaster is more brittle, cracks could appear around the newly drilled hole, or larger pieces of plaster could fall off. To prevent this, place a strip of masking tape (or blue painter’s tape, which can be removed without leaving residue behind) over the spot you intend to drill, then drill through the tape. It’s also important to note that plaster won’t hold heavy wall hangings, shelves or pictures, so locate the wall studs and drill into those.

HOME TIP: To keep plaster moist during long tasks, mix in two tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of plaster.