Bessemer jobless rate soars in August

After dipping slightly in July, Bessemer's unemployment rate in August soared to 15.5 percent, according to state figures released today.

This is the highest official jobless rate in 27 years.

Of a civilian labor force of 10,625, 1,649 were looking for work last month.

—Tribune staff report

Bessemer had to take free food to feed dogs

Bessemer has had to get free food to feed the dogs in its animal shelter six out of the last eight months, according to records acquired by the Tribune.

This comes after Mayor Ed May earlier said the city was adequately feeds the animals.

Conditions have become so grim that May has actually doubled the amount for food to $20,000 in his proposed 2010 budget.

Of course, this doesn't mean that the money will be spent for dog food.

—Tribune staff report

Mayor delivers budget — chamber down, lawyers up

Bessemer Mayor Ed May has produced a partial budget and given it to the City Council.

There was no cover page, or total on the budget.

Among the interesting items in the document are another attempt to cut the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce stipend by 50 percent and increase city attorney fees by about 10 percent.

The council isn't scheduled to meet again until Oct. 6.

—Tribune staff report

Bessemer to rebid health insurance

Bessemer's City Council is sending out for bids again for its health insurance after the bids were opened by mistake last month.

The council decided to rebid the proposal after Councilwoman Louise Alexander suggested there are companies that could save money by charging less.

Of course, it was Alexander who moved the city into another carrier four years ago and that upset workers.

One employee says, "What good will it do if the city spends less but we have a policy that is not accepted by the doctors and hospitals were want to see?"

Bessemer insures more than 500 employees.

—Tribune staff report

Bessemer to join No Hub fight

No Hub protesters in McCalla will be getting an unexpected ally as Bessemer Mayor Ed May and the City Council are joining the fray.

May was beside himself this morning when he announced the giant rail wants to increase its speed going through town and also the number of trains daily.

He was joined by members of the council in being critical of Norfolk Southern.

The mayor wants to meet with the No Hub people and bring them, along with U.S. political leaders, to Bessemer to hammer out a way of stopping the rail.

—Tribune staff report

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