By Sherri Blevins
Pam Clay with the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority addressed the Rainsville City Council on behalf of Rainsville Technology Inc. (RTI) to ask for an extension of the tax abatement granted in 2020. The company asked to update its request from $6 million to $22 million.
Clay stated, “RTI is a huge part of Rainsville and DeKalb County. I don’t think we have ever asked them to help us in any way that they haven’t been very supportive. We wanted to come before the City Council to ask for your consideration and to say thank you for everything you have done to help support the company.”
The abatement request was for non-educational sales and use taxes on the new portion. The total amount is estimated at $152,000.00 over ten years. Clay added, “RTI currently employs 500 people and is continuing to grow. They give back to the community. We are very thankful and glad to have them here.”
The Council voted to approve the abatement. RTI Senior Vice President Shane Gilliland and Accounting Manager Tomokazu Takamura (Tom) thanked the Council for its approval and expressed their appreciation for its support. The Council approved several other items, including:
• Nine-month extension on the TAP Sidewalk Project
• Resolution 11-07-2022 (A) declaring unused cameras/DVRs as surplus
• Empowering the Mayor to sign the ADECA Sewer Rehabilitation Grant Resolution -11-07-2022 (C) for $500,000.00 and possibly up to an additional $250,000.00
• Transfer Cameron Gass from part-time sanitation driver to full-time at a rate of $16.10 per hour
• Resolution 11-07-2022 (D) declaring dispatch furniture as surplus
• Empowering the Mayor to sign the Police Department Grant Awards for active shooter equipment and a license plate reader and the Fire Department Grant Award for an 18ft. Kubota/Trailer
• Authorize Jimmy Brooks to reorder 100 garbage cans when the supply drops to 30
• $6,950.00 to purchase 100 garbage cans from Wastequip
• $7,164.00 to purchase (6) 8 yd dumpsters from Wastequip
• $5,467.00 to purchase (7) 4yd dumpsters from Wastequip
• $840.20 to purchase (30) garbage can lids/hinges from Wastequip
• $8,750.00 to Mattox Excavating to replace the existing drainage pipe on Shankles Rd.
• $21,250.00 to purchase gravel and pipe
• Resolution 11-07-2022 designating who can view cameras on City Property
• $500.00 sponsorship to Plainview Volleyball
• $500.00 sponsorship to Plainview Cross Country
• $3,000.00 deposit to Boys in the Band for the Freedom Fest performance
• Adding Kay Guffey as an alternate on the Special Exception Board
• $4,970.00 for leak repairs at the Waste Water Treatment Plant to Wilks & Sons Trenching & Plumbing
• Empowering the Mayor to sign contracts to start the Scott Ave. Pump Station Upgrade at the cost of $405,600.00, paid by the American Relief Fund
• $2,250.0 to purchase a pump grinder
One announcement of interest to sports fans was made: Rainsville is now creating a pickleball court in the City park for everyone to use. The next meeting will be on November 21, 2022.