The Brundidge City Council held a public hearing prior to its regular meeting Tuesday at Brundidge City Hall.

The purpose of the public hearing was to allow input from Brundidge citizens concerning the city’s application for a 2015 Community Development Block Grant.

Brundidge City Manager Britt Thomas said three application options are available to the city — competitive, enhancement and water and sewer.

Brundidge resident Jeffrey Baker asked about the possibility of a recreation grant and a grant for sidewalk improvements.

Thomas said a recreation grant would not have a high priority rating, and the city would have a better chance of being awarded a water and sewer grant.

The city has received grant funding for the installation of sidewalks on portions of S.A. Graham Blvd. and Galloway Road.

Thomas said the city’s greatest need is for funding for water and sewer projects.

The city’s three pumping stations are nearing the 50-year mark and necessary improvements in the near future will be costly.

Thomas said the city is primed for infrastructure improvements in the cost neighborhood of $1.9 million.

“If we were fortunate to be awarded CDBG funding in the amount of $350,000 with a 10 percent match, then the city would only have to borrow $1.5 million for the proposed water and sewer project.”

Thomas said he would rather that the citizens of the United States contribute to the project through grant funding than the entire cost being levied on the citizens of Brundidge.

The city council met following the public hearing but took no action on the CDBG application.

Thomas told the council the closing date on the purchase of 223 acres the city plans to purchase has been changed to May 12. The property is on the north side of town adjacent to the Southern Classic Food Group property.

Thomas reported that Jean Carroll, head librarian at the Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library, has notified the city that she will retire effective June 21. Carroll has been the city’s librarian for 13 years.

“Jean Carroll has forgotten more about being a librarian than most librarians will ever know,” Thomas said. “She came to the library to fill in for six weeks. She has stayed 13 years. Jean Carroll has been a tremendous asset to the library and to the city, and she will be greatly missed.”

Brundidge Police Chief Moses Davenport gave a report to the city on his department.

“Last month, we had 61 stops and 10 arrests,” he said. “We are working toward improving those numbers. Many of the stops are for equipment so warnings are issued rather than tickets.

Mayor Jimmy Ramage reminded the council of the National Day of Prayer Service that will be held on the lawn of city hall at noon on Thursday. The public is invited to attend.

The council recessed until 4 p.m. May 12 when a vote will be take on the CDBG application.