The Covington Board of Mayor and Aldermen met Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, approving community donations, hearing an encouraging sales tax report and celebrating a major milestone for one of the city’s oldest businesses.
Vice Mayor Jeff Morris presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Jan Hensley.
Morris reminded residents that bulk leaf pickup began earlier in the day and asked citizens to keep piles clear of storm drains.
“Please keep those leaves away from the drains,” he said. “You can have those piled up and our public works folks will come and pick them up starting now.”
Morris also announced that the Tipton County Museum would host its Veteran of the Month ceremony that evening at 6:30 p.m., honoring the late Bennie Carver, retired Covington police chief.
The board approved a $250 donation to the Covington High School girls basketball team, matching last year’s contribution, and a $150 donation to Dunham Lodge No. 150 for its annual Christmas Gala benefiting the Tennessee Masonic Widows and Orphans Fund.
The board also received a thank-you letter from the Covington-Tipton County Chamber of Commerce, expressing appreciation for the city’s contribution to the 30th annual Heritage Festival. The letter noted that the city’s support “helps us celebrate our community’s rich history and create lasting memories for all those who attend.”
Recorder-Treasurer Lisa Elam presented the monthly sales tax report, showing $407,620 collected for July, an increase of $3,073, or 0.8 percent, from the same month last year.
Morris praised the report, saying, “I’m glad we’re seeing positive to close out the fiscal year … Shop local, spend your money here. We need it.”
In new business, Alderman Jean Johnson announced that Barlow Funeral Home will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 5 p.m.
“They’re going to have free food, games, all kinds of fun stuff for the kids — jumping houses, bouncing houses — and everything is free,” Johnson said. “Let’s come out and support Barlow Funeral Home, who has been really inspirational in our community … A hundred years, y’all. Can you believe it?”
“A pillar of the community,” Alderman C.H. Sullivan added.
“For an entire century, that’s something to be very proud of,” Morris said in agreement.
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