Bessemer OT checks in jeopardy

Firefighters and police in Bessemer may not get their overtime pay accrued during the year's holidays.

An email sent by Travis Brooks, the city's finance director, said the city doesn't have the money.

The City Council recently authorized the annual lump sum payment and expects it to be made on the Dec. 10 payroll check.

—Tribune staff report

City must share financial records

Bessemer's financial records will be open for inspection early next year, thanks to a court order yesterday.

Circuit Judge Eugene Verin allowed the Bessemer schools and District Attorney Arthur Green to move forward on a lawsuit again the city for $6 million in unpaid obligations.

Verin ordered that plaintiff attorneys have complete financial records in their hands by March 1, 2010.

—Tribune staff report

Mystery money shows up at City Hall

Bessemer council members are waiting to hear where a mysterious $2 million windfall came from to balance the city's proposed $36 million 2010 budget.

At an earlier budget meeting this week, Travis Brooks, the city's chief accountant who also plays city clerk and revenue department chief, informed the council of the money.

But under questioning, Brooks could not remember where the $2 million came from.

Pretty good work, if you can get it.

—Tribune staff report

Bessemer water rates hike OK'd

Bessemer's City Council tonight voted to increase water rates by $5 a month beginning on Jan. 1.

Only Councilwoman Louise Alexander voted against the increase, which was necessitated by higher expenses and a lowering of Bessemer Utilities' credit rating.

The fear was that New York bankers would take over the water service and hike rates significantly higher than what was approved.

Alexander said she doubted that expenses were as high as the department claimed.

Future rates will be determined by a formula based on the Consumer Price Index.

—Tribune staff report

First look at proposed Bessemer budget

Despite all the bad financial news at Bessemer City Hall, the City Council last night took a first look at Mayor Ed May's proposed $36 million budget for 2010 and appeared to be quite pleased.

One change councilors made was to put back money taken from the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce by the mayor.

It is an annual game. 

Of course, the mayor simply doesn't pay the business group.

—Tribune staff report

ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

Trouble, trouble and more trouble in Bessemer City Hall, read all about ... On the other hand, Hueytown is flying high and tight ...

Budget hearing today

Bessemer's City Council is scheduled to hold its first hearing of Mayor Ed May's proposed 2010 budget.

The hearing will be at 5 p.m. in City Hall.

—Tribune staff report