The City of Eutaw held their city council meeting Tuesday afternoon at 4 P.M.
There were a variety of things discussed but two items on the agenda affect the city's ability to update it's water and sewer system.
During the meeting, there was an update given on audits and financial statements.
The city has not had an independent financial audit in 10 years, which has impacted the ability to obtain grants and funding.
“The previous administration didn’t keep book very well. The bookkeeper was totally off and we couldn’t account for a lot of things we needed, so under my administration I must say the booking is in order now," said Mayor Latasha Johnson.
In the meeting, it was also announced there is a proposed 12.1 million dollar water and sewer system upgrades through SRF (State Revolving Fund) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) programs.
The need for updates was seen in a few circumstances on Tuesday throughout the city.
American Rescue Plan dollars also paid for $80,000 to replace an overflow pipe in the city too.
“Ten years of inefficiencies and poor management, causes issues like this," said Corey Martin, Certified Water/Wastewater treatment operator for the city.
Martin said that project was 'high priority.'
During the council meeting, Martin discussed the need for upgrades to the system and why grant money is so crucial in getting the necessary work done.
“Rural communities like Eutaw and the black belt area, we don’t have a lot of industry and commercial activity so we really rely on grant money," said Martin.
The city has not been officially approved for the money, but has been listed as a top priority.
"There is a high probability we will get the funds," said Martin.
The grants will allow for necessary upgrades in the city.
“Some people say their water is brown. The water is safe to drink. We do inspections on the water, we do samples on the water. The water is safe- sometimes it needs flushing. The pipes are so old," said Johnson.
The grant will allow the city to have a better system got flushing.
Moving forward, city leaders said they want to be proactive instead of trying to play catch up.
“We have had to redo a lot of our policies and procedures and implement new ones to make sure we don’t end up in that situation again," said Martin.
The audits should be done by the end of the week.