Town working to rename portion of Highway 84

New Brockton has taken the first steps toward renaming the section of Highway 84 within the town limits.

During a Feb. 4 council meeting, a resolution was unanimously approved to send a request to the Legislature to rename the portion of the highway, at the request of E-911 and residents, to Patriots Highway.

New Brockton Mayor Kathy Holley said the change is mainly for E-911 purposes and the ability to provide accurate addresses to emergency responders.

During a council working session, councilmembers agreed on the name Patriots Highway in honor of patriots everywhere.

The name change will take place immediately upon approval from the state.

In other news, councilmembers passed a resolution increasing local garbage fees for residential and businesses by $1.

Holley said the increase is needed because the cost of garbage service is more than what is being collected by the town for payment.

The change will be effective on March 1.

Councilmembers also passed a motion denying payment of the town's volunteer fire department insurance for an additional vehicle.

Holley said the department is requesting $700 to pay insurance on a new fire truck.

Councilmember Jimmy Peacock said many other volunteer fire departments within the county do not have a town to rely on and pay all their bills with funds received through the state or through donation.

Councilmember Jack Young agreed, saying once the town pays the bills it already has, it is left with a zero balance therefore the town cannot afford the additional $700 payment.

"They have the money to do it, we don't," Young said.

Holley said the volunteer fire department used to pay all its bills with funds collected by the department, but at some point in the past, the town began paying the vehicle insurance. She was unsure why that began occurring.

Councilmember Billy Tindol also notified residents if they received a mail solicitation regarding water lines from the meter to homes, that the city has no affiliation and is not endorsing the service.

Tindol said it's a legitimate company, however, they are offering a service most people do not need.

The town is also working to organize "Trade Days" on fifth Saturdays at the armory building.

Holley said every month that has a fifth Saturday the town would host a trade event in which people can purchase booths to sell goods.

The first fifth Saturday is March 30. Residents interested in participating and reserving a $25 booth, contact Holley at city hall at 894-5283.

City Hall will be closed Feb. 18, in honor of President's Day.

The next town council meeting is at 7 p.m., March 4, at town hall.