The Webster Progress-Times

City leaders worked on the upcoming budget during meetings this month.

The Eupora Board of Aldermen went over general city budgets during a special called meeting on Aug. 15, according to City Clerk Lesa Hardin. Aldermen had recessed meetings on Aug. 22 and Monday to continue budget discussions.

Much of the Aug. 20 meeting focused on a projected deficit in the parks and recreation budget and suggestions to possibly raise various registration fees.

Dan Burchfield (Ward 2), referring to the number of non-city residents who participate in recreation programs here, said, "We either need to increase our fees or ask the county to make a donation to the city to help offset costs."

Jack Haney (at-large) said the city should be charging the same prices as similar-sized towns.

"You can't run a program with no money," he said.

Items acted upon during the Aug. 15 meeting included a vote to advertise for the sale of timber at the north end of the airport. A related survey there has been completed.

Additionally, the board adopted an updated flood damage prevention ordinance at the request of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Mayor Tommy Lott thanked Burchfield for his work in updating it, according to meeting records.

In a matter tabled from Aug. 6, the board reviewed annual material and supply bids. Aldermen voted to accept recommendations and low prices as determined by the mayor, which appeared to be bids submitted by J.J. Ferguson Sand and Gravel.

Because of the Labor Day holiday, the next regular board meeting will be Tuesday. It will be preceded by a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. regarding the closeout of a CDBG loan for heating and cooling work done at Hawkeye Glove.

Vice Mayor Henry Flowers presided Aug. 20 in the absence of Lott, who was unable to attend because of a family medical concern.