By Diane M. Moore
CHIPLEY – The City of Chipley plans to seek more than $700,000 in state appropriations to help fund infrastructure improvements. Chipley City Council members gave the greenlight to submit the appropriations requests when they met in regular session Tuesday, Dec. 14.
The first request will be for approximately $229,600 to expand the current sprayfields and effluent system to accommodate the current flow and disposal of treated effluent. The initial bid was provided in early 2021; however, ongoing supply chain issues have led to higher material cost than what was previously proposed in the first request to receive funding from the Department of Environmental Protection State Revolving Fund Loan.
The second request will be for $500,000 to roadway resurfacing and drainage improvements on Pecan Street. According to Liberty Partners President Jennifer Green, the requests have already been submitted to the house by State Representative Brad Drake. Senator George Gainer is also expected to introduce the requests to the senate after the legislative session resumes.
In other business, the Council approved ordinance 971, which will increase the franchise fee paid by Gulf Power to the City on revenues collected from residents inside the city limits.. That fee will increase from 4 percent to 6 percent.
Council members also granted a request by the Chipley Police Department to purchase a 2022 Ford Interceptor utility vehicle. Peoples South Bank was the low bidder for financing the vehicle, quoting that the total amount of $50,929 will be paid over five annual payments with an interest rate of 2.95 percent. The payment amounts are in the budget for the police department.
Chipley City Council will meet again in workshop at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 6.
Staff Report 
Hannah Collins