Staff Writer

City of Troy employees will be following a new drug and alcohol policy leaders hope will save them money.

During its regular meeting Tuesday, the Troy City Council passed an ordinance that amends the city’s policy involving drug and alcohol testing.

Council members unanimously approved the following three changes to the policy: giving an employee five days to explain a positive test, notifying employees where the policies can be found and changing the followup rehabilitation program from one to two years, said City Clerk Alton Starling.

Taking that action will result in a savings to the city. By making the policy changes, the city can save 5 percent on workman’s compensation insurance.

"It’s really some housekeeping," Council President John Witherington said of the changes made to the policy that will "tie up loose ends."

The changes, recommended by the State Department of Industrial Relations, will make the city compliant with the Alabama Department of Transportation policies.

In other business, the council:

· Approved a license application made by Timothy Fayson, who plans to open a pool room/dance hall at the corner of North Market and Academy Streets, behind the old post office building downtown.

Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage said the background check on Fayson indicated no reason he should not be granted the license. He also said a game room was previously in that same location.

· Accepted bids for equipment being purchased for the utilities department.

Linton Tractor Company of Brundidge/Goshen was the low bidder for a Kubota baler that will cost $16,900 and a $3,230 tedder. Henry Farm Center of Brundidge’s $2,239.10 was the low bid for a rake. Northside New Holland of Dothan offered the low bid of $4,900 for a cutter.

The equipment is being purchased so the city can cut its own hay on property along U.S. 231.

James Flowers asked the council to reject all bids on a tractor because he was not satisfied with the way the bid was written.

· Passed a resolution, giving National Warehouses a tax abatement. The company is building another freezer.

When the first freezer was constructed, the city gave the company a tax abatement.

· Recognized Chrissy Meeks and Taylor Sunday, who competed in the Alabama Independent School Association spelling bee in Montgomery.

Meeks, a seventh grader at Pike Liberal Arts School, placed first in the state competition. This was the third year she had competed and won at the state level.

Sunday, a sixth grade student at PLAS, finished in second place.

· Tabled a decision on the dedication of Hunter’s Mountain Parkway. The roadway from U.S. 231 leads to Hunter’s Mountain Mobile Estates.