Staff Writer

In an effort to help the Troy City Schools, the Troy City Council voted to refinance a 1992 bond issue that will create a savings of $350,404 for the school system.

During a special meeting Wednesday afternoon, the council took the action as conduit for the board of education because the city has a better debt rating.

The bond issue will not exceed $1.8 million and will be paid back by the school system.

Hank Jones, superintendent of the city school system, said the money saved can only be used for capital outlay projects.

In other business, the council:

· Declared June 18 as Dixie Darlings-Shebang Day in Troy. The group has been clogging champs for the past two years and has been invited to perform at Disney World on June 18.

State Rep. Alan Boothe, D-Troy, also presented a House resolution and a Certificate of Recognition signed by Gov. Don Siegelman to the girls.

· Tabled a decision on closing the CSX Railroad crossing at Walnut Street until another public hearing can be held. The public hearing was scheduled for 5 p.m., May 22 and council members believed the change in the council meeting might have caused some confusion.

Council President John Witherington said CSX approached the city about closing that railroad crossing to create "smoother flow of railroad traffic" through the city.

Mayor Jimmy Lunsford said CSX has reported the closure will prevent trains from having to stop in the city limits unless they are changing cars.

The public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. June 12.

· Passed a resolution accepting the Municipal Wastewater Pollution Prevention Program report. The annual report has to be submitted to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

· Voted to give the Exchange Club of Troy support in its efforts to renovate Murphree Park. By passing a resolution, the city agreed to fund any difference between the cost of the project, which is an estimated $100,000, and the amount of money raised.

· Declared hay cut on city property as surplus. The city will advertise for bids in the newspaper.

· Declared three buildings as "unsafe and dilapidated" and asked for their removal under state law. The property owned by Donald Kimbrough of Troy is at 430 North Knox Street. Property owned by Elouise Streeter of Troy is at 100 Vine Street and 207 Bush Street.

· Heard a report from Lunsford regarding three projects.

The mayor reported the Alabama Department of Transportation has committed to assist the city is constructing an access road on Pike County Lake Road to Henderson Highway, as well as the County Road 1 crossing at Ansell and improvements to County Road 1.

Committments have also come in the form of an access road from U.S. 231 to the Troy Municipal Airport entrance and fencing at the airport.

· Recognized the absence of Council members Jason Reeves and José Henderson.