The Atlantic City Council met Wednesday evening. During their 25-minute long session, they Mayor and Council recognized Street Department full-time employee Tommy Gaines for his 20-years of service to the City. The Mayor presented Gaines with an award for his dedication.

Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones (right) presents Tommy Gaines (Center) with a Years of Service Award. Kirk Knudsen on the left.

In other business, the Council, approved by a vote of 6-to-1, with Councilman Chris Jimerson the lone No vote, a resolution “Establishing procedures for Collection, Interest and Penalties,” for delinquent Storm Water Utility Bills. City Clerk Barb Barrick explained nearly 25-percent of all stormwater bills are in such a state of delinquency, that they are rolled over into property taxes. Most bills are $17.10.

In order to encourage utility customers to pay their bills, the City (if the resolution is approved), would add a penalty for the issuance of correspondence stating the exact amount a property owner owes if the bill is not paid after six-months of non-payment. The fee amounts to $25 per parcel. Late payment penalties would not be changed, and remain at .15-percent (point 15%) per month. In other business, the Atlantic City Council set the date for a Public Hearing as March 6, 2019, to adopt the Proposed FY 2020 Ten-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and passed a Resolution adopting the Preliminary FY 2020 Budget, as well as set the date for a Public Hearing on the Budget as March 6, 2019.

The estimated Total Tax Levy under the revised budget of $16-million 135-thousand 155-dollars ($16,135,155.00), amounts to $16.86 per thousand dollars valuation on regular property, and $3.00 per thousand on agricultural land. The City must approve the preliminary budget and set the date for a public hearing, in order to allow the public to examine the budget and provide their feedback to the Council. The final budget must be submitted to the State by March 15, 2019.

Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones, Wednesday, reminded the public you have 72-hours to move your vehicle from City Streets following a snow storm, before your vehicle will be ticketed and/or towed, if it remains on the street. Snow removal from sidewalks must be taken care of within 48-hours of the end of snowfall.