Some OT for firefighters canceled

Finances in Bessemer are so bad that overtime for firefighters in many was canceled today by Mayor Ed May.

Firefighters will be allowed overtime during a fire, but in most cases the OT is scheduled three days out.

The mayor was not available to comment for this story.

—Tribune staff report

Water rates to climb

Water rates for Bessemer Water customers will be increased, but how much depends on the Bessemer City Council.

The council was told Tuesday night that it can raise them about $5 a month, or let New York bankers increase them by a significantly higher rate.

Moody's has lowered the credit rating on the municipal department and the bonds it floated to finance a water filtration plant.

—Tribune staff report

SEE COMPLETE STORY IN NEXT WEEK'S NEWSPAPER

Bessemer wins Lake Cyrus court decision

Bessemer won a judgement against Lake Cyrus and developer Charles Givianpour for $1 million and the right to continue selling water, it was announced at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

The court battle between the city and Givianpour has been going on for the past five years.

—Tribune staff report

ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

The ultimate GOTCHA! As Ed May II turns from TV cameras right into our lens ... Secret attempt to sell Bessemer Civic Center ... And Bubba is loaded with stuff(ing) for Thanksgiving ...

No regular council meeting

Bessemer's City Council, figuring the city's business is finished for the month, will meet Tuesday night over an unlicensed business in a residential section and take a look at the proposed 2010 budget.

Neighbors from the Pipe Shop last week assailed the city for allowing a company to set up shop to move pipes for overseas projects.

Problem is, no one knows how the company managed to move in and start operations.

It will be the first time the council has addressed the budget, which was due for passage by Oct. 1.

—Tribune staff report