By Bill Grubb

BULLS GAP — The newly elected Board of Mayor and Aldermen decided to proceed with a sewer study that could carry a $15,000 price tag, but it may not cost the town anything.
    Engineer Michael Callahan told boad members the study would be a comprehensive look at the current status of the system.
    “We will look at any problems you are having.  What you need to do to handle future growth.  And include estimates of what improvements could cost,” Callahan said.
    According to the engineer, the study would serve as the preliminary work required for any grant applications for future sewer projects.
    Alderman Susan Williams asked what the study would cost, with Callahan explaining future grants could also offset any engineering fees.
    “A study like this will probably end up costing $15,000, but we won’t send out a bill,”  the engineer said.  “Whenever a grant is awarded there is a portion of the cost set aside for engineering work.  If there is a project funded a portion of the cost of the study will go into the project.”
    In February 2007 the board entered into a contract with Callahan to work as the consulting engineer for the town.  He said as long as the contract remains in effect there would be no reason to deal with the cost of the study.
    “If at some future date the town decides to use another engineer we would need to be compensated but then the new engineer would have a finished product that could be used,” Callahan said.
    The engineer also suggested the board should consider conducting a public hearing in December to discuss the possibility of applying for a Community Development Block Grant in early 2009.
    “You may not want to apply for a grant but under the timetable you have to have the public hearing before the first of the year.  If you don’t have a record of a public hearing then you can’t apply,” he explained.
    In other business, city attorney Kidwell King administered the oath of office to the board members who were all elected to new two-year terms in the November 4 municipal election.  Mayor Robin Horner ran without opposition for a second term as mayor and received 228 votes.  In the race for the four aldermen seats the four incumbents were all re-elected with Rickey Pete Shipley the top vote getter with 189 votes, Jimmy Sexton received 178 votes, Susan Williams 172 and Charles Johnson 167. A fifth candidate, John H. Barnes, Jr., received  135 votes.  The new terms of office begin December 1 and continue through November 30, 2010.