The Brewton City Council voted Monday to spend approximately $10,000 on a hotel market survey.
Mayor Yank Lovelace called the survey a “marketing tool” for the city’s economic development. Pinkowski and Company of Memphis, Tenn., a “full-service hospitality consulting firm,” was hired for the job. The council voted to spend $9,500 for the survey and up to $2,200 in expenses for the company.
City Clerk Steve Yahasz said the survey is the “first step in attracting investors to Brewton.”
“As we all know, lodging is limited in Brewton, and visitors have to stay out of town in Evergreen and the surrounding areas,” he said. “This plan will show (those in the hotel industry) if a hotel is a viable, promising option.”
Brewton is no longer home to a chain hotel after the closing of the Ramada Inn in January due to roof issues.
Later that month, owner Sarju Patel said her family plans to construct a new chain hotel on the site instead of renovating the building.
Patel said Tuesday the plan is “still a go,” and the deal is in its final stages of completion.
“There are a few things we have to get worked out, but, yes, it is coming to Brewton,” Patel said.
The new un-named franchise hotel will house 73 rooms and is expected to add approximately 25-35 new jobs.
In other business, the council:
• voted to surplus five police cars and open the purchase process to the general public. Those interested in purchasing of the cars, which range in model between a 2007 and 2008 Ford Crown Victoria, should contact city hall.
• awarded a financing bid to BB&T Bank for the note on a new trash truck. The five-year loan will be financed at 1,75 percent. Five local banks submitted proposals.
• announced Earth Day citywide clean up. The city landfill will be open for free use by residents on Sat., April 25, from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.