DEMOPOLIS &8212; Following continued questions sparked by the findings of the city&8217;s 2005-2006 audit report, the City Council discussed ways to prevent further financial mishaps from occurring.

Councilman Jack Cooley suggested to the council the possibility of reviewing &8212; on a monthly basis &8212; all travel and expense vouchers submitted by elected city officials.

Councilman Melvin Yelverton asked if this review would also include department heads for the city.

The council voted unanimously to begin reviewing vouchers on a monthly basis.

Citizens request street light

A group of residents of Lem Wilson Road came before the council to request a streetlight be put on their road, which was annexed into the city in 1991.

The mayor responded by saying she will request a street light from Alabama Power, but she had not been successful for the last three years in getting streetlights put on U.S. Highway 80.

A spokesperson for the group said in addition to the concerns about lighting, the residents of the area have been paying city taxes but not receiving adequate city services, such as water. He continued by saying he had brought his concerns to the water board but was denied because the project would cost too much.

Another resident said their roads had continued to be maintained by the county, so she saw no benefit in living within the city limits, asking if there was a way to de-annex from the city.

Road repair funds awarded

The council was also presented with a check for $60,000 to go for road repair in the city. The check was presented by County Commissioner Freddie Armstead on behalf of the county along with Sen. Bobby Singleton and Rep. A.J. McCampell. The funds were secured from the Governor&8217;s office, and all funds not used within the parameters of the agreement must be returned to the county, Armstead said.

In other business, the council:

4Approved a retail beer license transfer for Chris Randall Smith of Smoke-N-Chew.

4Approved a restaurant retail liquor license for Jamie Jiminez of El Ranchero Loco.

4Approved $11,850 for a three-month salary for the current Industrial Development Board director until the board is shifted to a Marengo County economic development authority effective Jan. 1.