LaFayette hires new water distribution superintendent
BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — During last week’s city council meeting, LaFayette Fire and EMS Chief James Doody briefed the council on the status of efforts in collecting outstanding payments owed to his department for emergency services rendered. Doody explained that the previously contracted EMS collection agency had ceased operations and approval for a contract with a new agency was needed. Approval was also sought to participate in a program to assist the department with accessing Alabama state refund Municipal Intercept Services by Doody.
“The second item is asking for the city to consider engaging in the League of Municipalities municipal debt collection,” Doody said. “That chart you see, which was in conversation on the previous topic, shows you our current balance as to what is owed to us for EMS. We are currently owed $788,000. We have $483,841.91 that is 180 days past due and that is individual bill payers. That does not include medicare, medicaid and private insurance.”
Following Doody’s remarks, the council voted to approve entering into the new collection services for outstanding bills.
City Clerk Louis Davidson requested confirmation for the Utility Committee recommendation of David Alan Garrett as the new water distribution and wastewater collection superintendent.
“The utility committee met and they are making the recommendation to hire Garrett as the new water distribution, wastewater collection superintendent with a starting annual salary of $60,000 with the requirement to obtain his wastewater 1C certification,” Davidson said.
Voting to approve Garrett as the new superintendent was unanimous. Garrett addressed the council following his confirmation.
“Things seem to work out in weird ways, I have to be honest,” Garrett said. “But I am here ready to help the city of LaFayette. I believe that we can make this work, we can go forward for sure. I will be here starting Aug. 11 to get the job started. Sounds good to everyone?”
In other business
• The city council meeting scheduled for Aug. 25 was rescheduled for Aug. 18.
• Davidson notified the council that the fire hydrant project pay request No. 1 for Webb Utilities and Construction had been submitted.
• Council Member Terry Mangram raised concerns over complaints that he had received regarding fireworks being set off within city limits. Doody confirmed that the storage and usage of fireworks are prohibited in the city.
• Council Member Toney Thomas urged the council to restore the processing of business licenses to the city due to revenue being lost from the municipal function being contracted out to a third party.
• Resolution No. 2025-07-14-03 2025 municipal election officials and compensation for 2025 municipal election officers was approved with a roll call vote.
• The council approved Resolution No. 2025-07-28-01 wastewater treatment plant upgrade, Contract No. 2 CWSRF project No. CS010403-05 – P. F. Moon and Company for an amount of nearly $1.75 million.
