HOLLY POND, Ala. – The Town of Holly Pond swore in the mayor and council for their new terms on Monday, Nov. 3. The meeting began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Carla Hart.
Before taking her oath Hart stated, “We do this because we love our town and we love our people.”
The oaths of the office for Hart and councilmembers Ricky Carr, Paul Brown, Deborah Holcomb and Thomas Kidd were then administered by Town Clerk and Treasurer Connie Moore.
Hart opened the meeting’s agenda by addressing the need to elect a mayor pro-tem. She stated Brown had been their pro-tem for years and that she would like to nominate him again if he agreed. He accepted, and the other members of the council also motioned their approval.
Hart also suggested the re-appointment of Moore as town clerk and treasurer. The council agree. Moore’s oath was administered by Berlin Town Clerk Keirstyn Montgomery.
The mayor and council proceeded to address resolutions, beginning with Resolution No. 20251103-03 to discuss designated depositories for various Town funds.
”We can use any bank or savings and loans established in the county, which are recognized by the State of Alabama for public depositories,” said Moore.
Hart agreed and said, “Yes. We will continue to use those that are local. People and Traditions Bank.”
All council members approved the resolution with no concerns.
Hart brought forward Resolution No. 20251103-04 regarding mileage rate reimbursement to Town employees and officers. All council members were in favor of this resolution.
The council discussed the time and place for regular town council meetings, addressing Resolution No. 20251103-05, and collectively decided to persist with the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m.
Moving on to the topic of Ordinance No. 20251103, to hire Hart as utility superintendent, the council agreed to reserve more time setting the salary.
Councilmember Holcomb stated, “The amount needs to be changed and she deserves the cap.”
“Is it possible we could investigate what similar towns are paying and see what the mayoral salary is?” Kidd proposed.
The council ultimately settled on entertaining further details at its December meeting.
Hart directed the discussion toward the town hall’s new hours. She stated it would change to Mondays from noon-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The motion was approved with all in favor.
The mayor went on to address the following announcements:
- A replacement for Council Place 5 (Gladys Wisener vacated her seat in October) will be announced at the December meeting
- On Dec. 6, from 5:30-8 p.m., the town of Holly Pond will have its Christmas tree lighting in the park. “We will have the tree lighting, choir band and an overall night of Christmas celebration for the town,” Hart stated.
- In the park behind Holly Pond Town Hall there is to be the first ever bathroom facility. Hart assured its completion before Dec. 6.
Hart motioned to adjourn the meeting and to continue to “make this town a better place.”
The next Holly Pond Town Council meeting will take place on Dec. 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Guy Hunt Library and Museum Con. Room located at 60 Lions Park Road.
