A small number of Rhine citizens were in attendance for a public hearing that was held at 6:00 p.m. this past Thursday, October 13, 2011. The purpose of the hearing was to give information concerning the City of Rhine’s community development block grant. A grant in the amount of $470,00.00 was awarded to the City of Rhine on September 16, 2011 to be used to install a sewer collection system, including one (1) lift station.
Linda Carroll, of Governmental Consulting Unlimited, Inc. of Waycross, lead the meeting to give information to the citizens of Rhine concerning the sewer/water project. Carroll presented information including an itemized breakdown of the funds and a description of the activities and how those funds would benefit low and moderate income persons. Carroll provided statistical information concerning the project including the total number of persons this project would benefit. The number includes 146 persons, of whom 123 are of low and moderate income.
Carroll informed the group that the grant could only be used for the specified project and the City of Rhine cannot spend the grant funds for any other purpose.
Limited questions arose from the small group of citizens concerning the proposed water/sewer project. Mayor Carter Clements was present for the meeting but no city council members were in attendance.
On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, a town hall meeting concerning the proposed funding for a wastewater management system drew a huge crowd of over 125 citizens to hear about the proposed project and to provide a forum for citizens to voice their concerns about the project. The meeting drew some strong criticisms regarding the daily operations of the city. Strong comments from city council members and a group called the Concerned Citizens of Rhine ensued regarding the mayor and the proposed project.
Carroll informed the group that plans are not finalized for the project and the meeting was to inform the citizens of Rhine about the specific community development block grant that has been awarded and how it would impact the city of Rhine.
The 35-minute meeting was adjourned after limited input from those in attendance.
