The Covington Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on Tuesday, Jan. 10 for their first meeting of the new year and it was one of the shortest meetings they’ve had in several years, just 16 minutes.
During the Report from the mayor, vice mayor Jeff Morris reminded those in attendance that the Covington Economic Development Corporation is presenting the 11th annual Chocolate Tour on Saturday, Feb. 4 on the Historic Square. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the event. Chocolate Tour rain date will be the following Saturday, Feb. 11.
He also mentioned spring registration has started for baseball, softball and soccer at the Covington Parks and Recreation Department for ages 5-12 years. Registration costs are $75 for baseball and softball and $65 for soccer. There is a development league for 3 and 4-year-olds for baseball and softball and 4-year-olds for soccer. Registration is available at the Sportsplex or online at https://www.covingtontn.com/covington-youth-sports.
Morris also thanked the staff of Covington Public Works, Covington Fire Department and Covington Police Department for their hard work during the recent adverse weather and freeze.
“Would like to recognize our public works team in their response during the extreme weather we experienced over the Christmas period,” said Morris. “They responded to 43 calls, five employees were salting streets and sidewalks, and they aided neighboring utilities with 2200 cubic feet of gas to First Utility and 300,000 gallons of water to Poplar Grove Utility. I know we had some issues at that time, but they worked through them and did a great job. We appreciate everything that y’all have done.
“The fire department responded to 19 calls while dealing with a water leak and damage at the North Station. Chief Griggs, your guys, as always, stepped up and did a great job. As well as our police we just want to thank you for what you do.”
Recorder/Treasurer Tina Dunn reported sales tax collection for the month of October was $383,306, a six percent increase over last year’s figures and year-to-date sales tax collection stood at $1,561,000, an increase of $141,000 or 10 percent increase from last year.
“Great job,” added Vice Mayor Morris. “We continue to see a sales tax growth over the past two years, and we want to continue to encourage our folks to continue shopping local, support our business because that’s what makes Covington what it is.”
Alderman Danny Wallace mentioned he is an advocate for moving city property no longer used or needed and had talked with a potential buyer who may be interested in the old Covington Grammar School property. The property had been discussed a few years ago as a potential location for a new police department but that idea has been tabled. The sale of the property would have to be approved by the State of Tennessee as parts of the location, namely the tennis courts, was funded with state grant money. Further discussion of the property status will take place at the next Finance and Administration committee meeting, to be held on Jan. 17 at 4pm at Covington City Hall.
The Covington Board of Mayor and Aldermen meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm at Covington City Hall. The Public is encouraged to attend. The board meetings are also streamed live on Facebook.
