COLONY, Ala. – The Colony Town Council celebrated good news on Tuesday evening, as Finance Committee Chairman Michael Johnson announced that the town will receive funding from the American Rescue Plan. Johnson said that Colony received a total of $61,990 from the federal COVID-19 recovery fund, with $34,316.17 arriving as soon as next week and the balance coming some time next year. The council did not discuss possible uses of the money.
“I’d like to thank everyone who worked on this,” said Johnson. “This was prior to me being on the council, so kudos to everyone who worked on this.”
During the public comment portion of the meeting, former mayor Donnis Leeth challenged the town’s use of a paid grant writer not voted on by the council. Johnson countered that, whatever percentage of the grant the writer received, the remainder was money the town would not have otherwise.
The council held a first reading of a resolution to seek a grant for assistance in repairing local roads. According to the resolution, funding will be used on four roads in the following order of priority:
- Byars Road
- Johnson Circle
- Wooley Road
- Fields Boulevard
Johnson told the council and audience that he and Streets and Drainage Committee Chairperson Mary Parker will visit every street in Colony this Thursday to survey conditions. Parker encouraged residents to notify the council about road issues via the suggestion box at Town Hall.
The council also gave a first reading to a resolution to name Earline Johnson as Colony’s town historian. The resolution noted her previous research and writings on Colony history, as well as her lifelong residency in the town.
Councilwoman Jasmine Cole, chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Committee, told the council that the recent Fourth of July celebration was a success and raised $140. She also announced a talent show coming up July 31, and a Colony Day celebration Aug. 7. Look for more information in a separate story.
The Colony Town Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Colony Town Hall. Work session begins at 5:40 p.m. and meeting begins at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
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