Civic Corner: Board of Aldermen Recap for July 15 Meeting
Robert Chapman
By Robert Chapman, Alderman-at-Large
Clinton’s Board of Aldermen meeting, held on July 15, 2025, opened with a report from Director of Therapeutic Recreation Director Chandra Fontenot, who highlighted the growth her department experienced over the past few months in participation of both the Living Young and Abilities programs. She spoke on the programs planned for the remaining portions of the summer and the upcoming fall.
Mayor Purdie praised the department’s efforts in offering something truly unique to the region. Chandra echoed these sentiments, stating that the City of Clinton is one of the few therapeutic recreation departments to offer activities for both the Living Young and the Abilities demographics under one umbrella.
The Board of Aldermen granted a five-year exemption of ad valorem taxes to Gulf State Canners for their 2024 expansions. This abatement is allowed under state law, granting an allowance for the company to use these exempt funds towards implementing benefits that can positively impact community.
The Board also granted an additional five-year ad valorem tax exemption to Gulf State for their 2020 improvements. These abatements are allowed for ten years but must be renewed after the first five-year period.
Moving forward, the Board of Aldermen approved two similar motions for McNeely Plastics, approving the request for a five-year exemption of ad valorem taxes for their 2024 expansions as well as the request to renew the request from 2020.
The Board approved a request from Clinton’s new Fire Chief Levius Buckley to accept a grant from Firehouse Subs for $44,730 for fourteen sets of turnout gear.
The Board entered an executive session and took action to terminate an employee for abandonment of duty.
During other business, the Board approved the hiring of a part-time crossing guard to be located at the entrance of Clinton Christian Academy.
The Board closed out the meeting after hearing from Tabb Hataway, owner of Johnson Millworks, to discuss the removal of the silos on his property due to safety concerns. The Board voted to approve the removal of the silos.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Space will be provided in each issue of The Clinton Courier to the Board of Aldermen for a recap of each meeting. Aldermen are asked to volunteer to provide this recap for the Courier.
