"You want to balance the money against the pain. You may discover that a payroll tax for a community the size of Perryville may not generate enough funds to overcome the pain. I don't know that. I'm not telling you that's the case," Stevens said. He advised that he had no opinion in the matter, it was only something for the council to consider in the exploration process.
Clay advised that she had heard that about 300 payrolls are active in the city. Stevens said it would be important to get the correct number of payrolls and consider rates.
He added that the city is obviously in need of revenue and that the opportunity needs to be explored. Sleet asked that Stevens look into the possibility of a payroll tax before the next regular meeting in August.
Electrical outlets for vendors
Last week Clay, Sleet and Perryville Fire Chief Anthony Young examined the outlets that are installed on the river for vendors during the weekend of the commemoration of the Battle of Perryville.
Young said electricity is activated on the outlets during the weekend of the event. Last year, a section of wiring burned and a generator had to be used.
The outlets are installed on the bottom of a handrail along the river. Over the last decade or so, they have been damaged by vandalism and flooding. Young said the location of the outlets is usually the first place the river gets out of the banks. Over the course of time, these outlets have been rendered unusable, he said.
The council discussed implementing a removable outlet system that would tie into electrical panels on the river. The system would be put out for the commemoration events and taken down afterwards. This would cut down or eliminate damage by vandalism or weather.
Young said he was all for a system as long as it is operated up to safety code. He said the current system is not safe to use without a major overhaul.
The council agreed to accept and review more bids on implementing such a system and decided to check with the commemoration committee to ensure that is what it wants.
Sleet told the council that she had been in contact with the person at the state level who oversees the bridge in Perryville on U.S. 150. Sleet said Boyle County Judge-Executive Harold McKinney thought repair on the bridge would take place this year but found out it was part of the six-year plan, which may become a 10-year plan.
Sleet advised the state official that she is concerned about the sidewalks over the bridge. She said she was told that the sidewalks could be capped.
Council member Phillip Crowe added that at last year's commemoration ceremony a handicapped person was unable to cross the bridge due to the sidewalks.
Sleet added that anyone on a motorized chair or pushing a baby stroller would have difficulty crossing the bridge.
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SO YOU KNOW
Jennifer Bodner is the newest member of the Perryville City Council. She replaces Sheila Cox, who resigned recently after taking a position that would not allow her enough time to serve on the council. Bodner was sworn in Thursday night and participated in her first meeting on the council.
