The third and final public reading of an ordinance to redraw the boundary lines of the four Alexander wards has been approved. The new boundaries take effect immediately with only two council members changing wards.
Redrawing the city’s ward lines was required after the 2020 Census showed the populations in the four wards were not near equal. Under state law the population of the wards must be plus-or-minus five-percent of each other.
Based on the city’s new population number of 3,385, there should be approximately 846 residents per ward. According to totals provided by Metroplan Ward-1 had 1,001 residents, Ward-2 had 1,214, Ward-3 had 570, and Ward-4 had an even 600 residents. With the new boundary lines the number of residents in Ward-1 is 844, Ward-2 has 861, Ward-3 has 874, and Ward-4 has 806 residents.
The new boundaries kept the city council essentially intact. The only changes are that Ward-2 Council Member Juanita Wilson will now be in Ward-4 and Ward-4 Council Member Lonny Chapman will be in Ward-2. All other council members retain their existing seats.
The ordinance was first introduced at the December council meeting. Because there were only five members present, that is enough for a quorum but six “Yes” votes are required to allow bypassing the required second and third public readings. The January meeting also had only five council members so the ordinance was read a second time. This week’s February 28 meeting provided the third reading.
Also at the February 28 meeting;
Mayor Paul Mitchell received approval from council members to spend up to $8,000.00 for the purchase of an Onan diesel generator. The generator is needed to power the police department’s new Mobile Command Center trailer, which was recently acquired at no cost.
The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is scheduled for Monday, March 21, 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is invited to attend.
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