By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal

White Hall Mayor James Walker presented a proposed 2014 budget, encouraged citizens to vote in the town’s upcoming Council Seat Two municipal election and reminded them to participate in the town’s upcoming Christmas Parade at the Thursday, Dec. 5 regular Town Council meeting.

In actions taken, the council approved the minutes of its last meeting with corrections and voted to move the Jan. 2 meeting to Jan. 9.

However, other matters discusses included resolutions for citizens who pass away, how to appear on the council agenda, the need for fire and rescue volunteers and the need to set up a waterworks and sewer board.

While Walker told the council he did not intend for them to pass a budget at Thursday’s meeting, he presented a proposed operating budget with proposed revenues of $301,888 for 2014.

He told the council, “I want to give you time to really go through it and ask questions and make sure we understand the operating.”

The election to fill vacant Council Seat Two is set for Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Candidates are Jean Harris and Ruby Dee Rudolph.

Walker said he wanted to encourage the citizens to come out and take part in the town’s council election. He also said the town has a voting list.

Walker said, “This is my first election. I’m a little green with it. But we’re doing the best we can do with it.”

When asked how much the election will cost the town, Walker said he did not know at this point.

The mayor reminded citizens that annual Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. if weather permits.

He encouraged vendors to contact the clerk’s office if interested in setting up booths, noting there is a fee of $20 per booth.

The council discussed resolutions presented to families for citizens who passed away.

Walker said the resolution need to be a uniform for all citizens.

He said the town will try to continue presenting resolutions and asked if anyone knows of citizens who lived in the community who pass away to let the town know.

Council member Audrey Peterson said she had been purchasing the frames for resolutions and asked that the town take up that responsibility.

Walker said the council would revisit that matter.

Walker asked that citizens who want to address the council for comments or questions please ask to be placed on the agenda in writing at the clerk’s office no later than the first Tuesday of the month by 4 p.m.

“I encourage people that have concerns with the town or for progressing the town or making some situations better in the town to bring it before us and let us hear it so we can as a council look at it and see what we can do with that.”

Walker called for volunteers for the fire and rescue department. He said the town is looking for volunteers who would be willing to submit to training.

He asked that volunteers contact the town clerk and leave their contact information.

“It is imperative that we get this up and running,” Walker said.

Walker also told the council that the town will need to create a waterworks and sewer board and presented council members with the procedures to setup the board required by USDA.