By BECKY CRISSMAN
VIENNA — There will be no election in November to fill the expired Vienna City Council seats of members Beth English and Walter Brown.
During council’s regular meeting Monday night, it was announced the pair received no opposition making it unnecessary to hold an election.
Both Brown and English will retain their slots on the council. Both said they were pleased to have the opportunity to once again work to serve the best interest of the city.
Council is currently working to finalize its budget for the coming year. A workshop was held before Monday’s meeting to discuss the budget.
Members plan to hold one more public hearing before finalizing the budget and approving a millage rate. They will also be discussing the USDA loan for wastewater improvements and the water and sewer rates.
The hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 24th at 5 p.m. The council will then make its final approval during its regular meeting on September 28th.
Also on the agenda:
• Chief Michael Causey of the Vienna Fire Department addressed council on activity of the fire department. There have been three incidents where firemen responded to structure fires.
Apparently, thieves have been cutting the scrap iron from underneath some empty homes and causing the fires. The owner of the homes resides in Albany.
Causey said that if the person or persons responsible are caught they will be forced to reimburse the department for the time and money spent responding to the calls.
• City administrator Gail Bembry reported that to date no bids have been received on the property located at 117 Union Street, the former location of the Chamber Office.
• A food bank has been coming into Vienna monthly to distribute boxes of food to those in need. At the most recent distribution, 100 boxes and bags were distributed and people were still coming.
The food bank will be returning to Vienna on the second or third Monday of every month.
The next regular meeting of the Vienna City Council is scheduled for Monday, September 28, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
