Ward 4 Alderman Aubry Brent Jr. admits the city has been “lackadaisical” when it comes to purchasing equipment for the public works department.
But he said purchases will be made next month.
Brent said the city council met with Public Works Director Walter Williams last week to review the equipment needed to efficiently operate his department. The requests for equipment have been tossed around with little action over the last several months.
“We didn’t purchase anything during that meeting,” Brent said. “We have been too lackadaisical with this issue. We have not done what we needed to do to help (Williams) with anything.”
Brent said he and Aldermen Dr. Jack Varner wanted to purchase the equipment when Williams brought it to the table initially.
“I admit, we have not followed through with his requests,” Brent said. “We (the city council) have never been able to reach a consensus.”
Brent said money is available to purchase the equipment Williams has requested.
“We have the money to get it,” Brent said. “We should have gone ahead and got it. We have the money to get what we need.”
Brent said the Public Service Commission transferred about $300,000 to the city.
“We have a lot of money we haven’t touched yet,” Brent said. “We are not struggling financially. The PSC helped boost us with their contribution.”
Brent said he is ready to get the ball rolling with the equipment purchases.
“We need to go ahead and get a few key items so that we can better serve the city,” Brent said.
