CHESTER – Chester mayor Robert Poynter opened the Chester City Council meeting Monday evening, Oct. 5, with a hearing from their gas department employee on several tasks. Happily, he was able to report that everything was on schedule.
Not so happily, he had strep throat and was cautioned to stay on the far side, a few jokingly yet also seriously not wanting anything to do with that.
After a few questions on a few budget items, the council approved the finances.
City secretary Baela Weaver fielded a few questions on the upcoming audit and the need for a budget meeting, which included the proper publications and notifications. They scheduled the budget meeting for Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.
A lively discussion ensued on whether to keep Entergy or go with Sheco, and on which would offer the best deal. The council members themselves were nearly divided on which service they used for their personal residences, and all seemed too happy with their services.
There was no discussion over the past due customers.
There was a short discussion over some employee training, and Poynter explained how he had been and was planning further mediation to make sure they were covered in emergencies.
Councilman Bryan Davis shared a vignette on a business dealing with Entergy and how he facilitated getting his repair more speedily fixed. He shared that there is satisfaction when one gets the right person who can make things happen.
