SPORTS EXTRA Full coverage of local prep football
LOCAL, PAGE 10 Pet of the Week – Crook INSIDE
OPINION, PAGE 4 Hunting is in my blood
OUTGOING CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS RECOGNIZED, PAGE 2.
The Tallassee Tribune DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF THE GREATER TALLASSEE AREA
TALLASSEE, AL 36078
50¢
November 2, 2016
TALLASSEETRIBUNE.COM
VOL. 117, NO. 42
City receives A+ credit rating By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The City of Tallassee has been upgraded to an “A+/Stable” credit rating from Standard & Poor’s. The upgrade from an A to an A+. The very strong, investment grade rating will allow the City to access the bond markets at lower rates than many
other cities of their size. The City of Tallassee is one of the smallest cities in the State of Alabama with an “A+” rating. “We’re one of the few cities, especially of our size, in the state that has received an A+ bond rating,” said Councilman and Finance Committee Chairman Bill Godwin.
Reasons specifically cited for the positive rating and upgrade were that the City maintains a “very strong financial position” and have numerous positive economic development activities ongoing. Further, the S&P rating reflected their strong view of the City’s leadership and willingness to build a
healthy reserve of available cash and maintain that for many years to come. The S&P is an American stock market index centered on the market capitalizations of 500 large companies having common stock listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ. The S&P 500 index components and their weightings See CREDIT • Page 7
Host families needed for exchange students
Fire Fee to appear on Nov. 8 ballot By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
On Nov. 8 residents who reside within the Tallassee Fire District in Tallapoosa County will have an additional amendment on the ballot to provide a way to donate to the Tallassee Fire Department. This amendment comes 20 years after the creation of a similar measure in Elmore County. Fire Departments in Tallapoosa County have unsuccessfully tried numerous times to provide a suitable way for residents to donate to their local department. A fire fee is a fee paid by residents to support the local volunteer fire department. These funds will be collected by the Tallapoosa County Probate Judge and Revenue Commissioner and transferred directly the Tallassee Volunteer Fire Fighters Association for equipment, provide training, provide dayto-day operations and run calls. This fee would be assessed annually $50 per residential property and $100 per commercial property. Currently, there See FIRE FEE• Page 11
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Halloween in T-town Jeff and Starla Watkins handing Halloween candy to the little gosht and goblins Monday night. The Watkins say they enjoy seeing the children every year. Left, Rather than going door to door for treats, this young man chose to stay home and offer up a few tricks, as he lay in hiding waiting for unsuspecting victims.
See HOST • Page 3
City honors Tallassee Mill fire first responders
Today’s
Weather
85 61 High
Education, Travel and Culture is a non-profit corporation for student exchange. Their mission is to promote international understanding and goodwill by providing high quality educational and cultural exchange programs. Students and families are exposed to diverse cultural experiences that raise awareness and interest in the exchange of culture, lifestyle, language and ideas. This international exchange experience contributes to the development and education of today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders. “I enjoy working for the exchange student organization and my family has truly benefited from hosting,” said Teresa Thompson, Field Manager Education, Travel and
Low
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer THURS: HIGH 85 LOW 54
CONTACT US 334-567-7811 • Fax: 334-567-3284
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
USPS 681-260
Charles Blalock shakes hands with Travis Jones as a token of appreciation for Jones’ efforts in fighting the Tallassee mill fire. Mayor Payne and the City Council wanted to show their gratitude to the men and women who worked diligently to extinguish the fire and save Tallassee’s water treatment plant.
The City of Tallassee chose to honor the 15 area fire departments that assisted in extinguishing the mill fire that occurred May 5 during the last regular council meeting in October. Fire alarms sounded just before 11 p.m. on that night. When firefighters arrived the mill was fully enveloped in fire and smoke. There was no way to save the 175-year-old structure. However, because of fast emergency response times Tallassee’s water treatment plant, which sits adjacent to the mill, was spared. “I really commend these brave See HONOREES • Page 3
LINVILLE MEMORIAL
F U N E R A L
H O M E
Cremations and Monuments
84632 Tallassee Hwy. [ Eclectic, AL
334.639.4730 www.linvillememorial.com