Booker T. reno nearly complete

Aldermen approved paying Perry Construction $37,810 for bathroom renovation work at the Booker T. Washington Gymnasium.

The monies came from a Community Development Block Grant.

The gym has undergone significant upgrades over the last couple of years. The first phase of the overall $1.2 million project, which included replacing the roof, gym floor, and other repairs was completed in 2022.

In early September 2023, Perry Construction began installing handicap-accessible bathroom facilities at the gym and is now set to wrap up within the next couple of weeks, according to officials. 

The $225,000 bathroom renovation project is being funded by the grant and additional funds procured through the state Department of Archives & History.

Following the completion of the bathrooms, a new entryway from the gym to the back area and storage rooms will be added. This area of the gym will house computers and desks for school tutoring sessions.

A group is still raising funds for Booker T work. The Rev. Johnny Beckwith and the Community in Action group are actively seeking donations for a $220,000 HVAC project and have raised $39,105 so far. 

Beckwith encourages pledged donors to fulfill their commitments promptly and urges others to consider contributing as well.

Donors will be commemorated inside Booker T. as a lasting testament to their impactful community support, Beckwith said.

City and county officials have been supportive of the project.

“This will be a great place of recreation for boys and girls,” said Mayor James A. Young. “It is a great family place. Hopefully, this investment is going to last for the next 20 years and will play a big role in this community.”

In other matters, aldermen voted to:

• Approve a motion to surplus and auction with GovDeals the following items from the street department: 2008 Dodge truck, side hog, and curb machine. The motion was approved unanimously;

• Approve a motion to accept an additional box on a MaxxSouth Broadband road bore. The motion was approved unanimously;

• Approve a motion to hire Rafeal Curz with the Police Department as Sergeant at $19.01 per hour effective Jan. 1. The motion was approved unanimously;

• Approve a motion to remove Mark Flake and Mitch Peden from the Police Department Reserve Officer List. The motion was approved unanimously;

• Approve a motion to advertise for Paratech Rescue Equipment for the Fire Department and purchase the vehicle stabilization equipment with a Task Force Grant. The motion was approved unanimously.