By By MARY-ALLISON LANCASTER – Managing editor
The Escambia County Board of Education is currently in the process of purchasing a house located in East Brewton, which will eventually be torn down and be used as an additional route for school buses to reach the bus shop.
East Brewton city council members had originally voted in favor of demolishing the house located at 902 Andrew Jackson St. It was stated that the house was in violation of the city's nuisance ordinance.
However, Everette Price, attorney for individuals trying to purchase the house, requested that council members vote in favor of a 30-day extension so the individuals could close on the sale. City Council members voted in favor of rescinding the motion to allow for the close of the sale.
During Monday evening's council meeting, Steve Dunaway, an official who works for the city's street and sanitation department, said that the house will be demolished and the school will build a drive, which will allow the Escambia County school buses to follow a different route to the bus shop and ease traffic from W.S. Neal high, middle and elementary schools.
The Escambia County Board of Education agreed to allow Superintendent Buck Powell make an offer of $16,500 for the purchase of the property. The price includes the demolition of the dilapidated home.
In other city news, council members announced that they will be opening bids in two weeks for the sell of the 1996 Crown Victoria police car. Councilman Wayne Howard made the suggestion that all decals be removed from the older vehicle prior to the sale.
In its place, the East Brewton Police Department will be receiving a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria police car. The new car, purchased through a loan from BankTrust, cost the city $25,125. According to the agreement, which was voted on during a February 13 meeting, the indebtedness will be repaid from the city's General Fund.