City of Alamo’s 2023 Audit Reveals Strong Financial Position

The City of Alamo’s finances are strong, according to a formal audit report issued at the City’s July 15 session.

Richard N. Deal of Lanier, Deal, Proctor & Bloser, Certified Public Accountants of Statesboro, said a recent audit of Alamo’s 2023 finances revealed that the City is in a very strong financial position when compared to its expenditures.

“The City is doing well financially,” Deal told the Council. He reported total assets of $15.9 million; total liabilities, of $5.9 million; and $257,799 in ARPA revenue not spent as of December 31, 2023. He said the City’s net position was $9.9 million, with an increase of $260,000, or 3% over the previous year. Expenses for government activities were very comparable to the previous year. Revenues were up by $556,000 primarily from the collection of insurance premium taxes due from the past two years. Eastside Park Update

During the meeting, the Council got an update on Eastside Park from City Manager Jeff Floyd. Engineering design work for an amphitheater and cover over the basketball court is 80% complete. When finished, the engineering plans will be sent to the project architect, Greenline Architectural, Floyd said. The design project carries a price tag of $17,500 and is part of the enhancement of the park.

The city-owned park located at 120 East Railroad Street is undergoing major upgrades via a $2.2 million state grant being administered through the Heart of Georgia Regional Commission (HOGARC). Expenses incurred by the City are reimbursable through the grant after receipts are submitted to HOGARC Financing for the work is part of a $225 million grant package awarded to 142 qualified projects across the state for improving neighborhood assets like parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and healthy food access in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Specifically, the grant will go toward further upgrades at Eastside Park including providing sidewalks between the park and the nearby Wheeler County School , a shelter over the basketball court, an outdoor amphitheater, a football field with bleachers which is intended to become the home of a new Youth League, fencing around the park, and additional parking. The civil engineering firm of M.E. Sack in Hinesville is overseeing the park upgrade.

Eastside Park has already benefitted from a previous grant through the state Department of Natural Resources which provided a recently-completed splash pad, picnic pavilions with grills, parking, and a refurbished basketball court.

LMIG, TIA Reports

Floyd said the City is applying for Local Maintenance and Improvement (LMIG) 2025 funding to complete work on portions of Third and Lucille Streets. He noted that 2024 Georgia Transportation Investment Act (TIA) funds are being used to resurface five City streets. Last month the City passed a resolution to accept a bid of $307,956.09 for all Georgia Department of Transportation projects to be completed by Scruggs Company of Cochran.

Also, a one-time $45,000 Local Road Assistance grant has been earmarked for upgrades to two-heavily traveled sections of roadway inside the City: specifically, Stubbs to Broad Streets, which accommodates traffic bound for the Wheeler Correctional Facility, and Slayton Street, across from the Recreation Department.

During the July meeting, the Council voted to purchase an ice machine from South Georgia Tools for $4,500. The machine will be housed in City Hall and used for City-sponsored events. It will be paid for with SPLOST funds.

The City will sponsor its annual “Back to School Bash,” in the City’s Flower Garden downtown on August 3, at 7 p.m. School supplies packed in book bags, which were donated by the City, and area churches and businesses, will be given away. Hotdogs, chips and drinks will be served to attendees. Everyone is welcome.

Council members agreed to change upcoming August and September meeting dates from the customary third Monday of the month to August 12 and September 23 due to conflicts for Council members and staff schedules. The sessions will be held at 6 p.m. at City Hall.