Bethany Council To Make Train Depot Decision Soon

Bethany City Administrator Jacob Taylor told Bethany’s Board of Aldermen that the applications for America’s Relief Act federal funding have been created, but the application period will not be open until there is more guidance given to the city about the use of the funds. The announcement came at a meeting held on Wednesday night. Green Hills Regional Planning provided the city with an update during a June meeting. Green Hills says that guidance may not become clear until late this year. Administrator Taylor did report to council members that any organization or individual that plans on applying for funds should have a plan in place for when the distribution process is initiated.

Administrator Taylor also reported that an additional seasonal employee has been hired for the next two months to provide upkeep and make improvements at Memorial Park. He says the city looks forward to continued collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Department. 2 pumps have been purchased for the Bethany Aquatic Center. The cost for an updated working camera system has also been authorized.

The Bethany Police Department is no longer looking for a new police cruiser. The department is looking at the costs of purchasing an Explorer or Truck for the department.

Bethany’s city council will likely make a decision at their next meeting about whether or not to move the Train Depot to the main park area and potentially use it as a concession stand/storage area and allow it be more visible. Mayor Lance Johns and the city continue to encourage city residents with opinions about spending the money to make the move to notify the mayor, council members, or city officials of those opinions.

Bethany’s next city council meeting will be held on Monday, July 19th.