The Brundidge City Council is moving ahead with plans for sewer improvements that will better serve existing industries and make the city better prepared for future industrial growth.

At its Tuesday meeting, the council voted to award the bid for a Community Development Block Grant project to L&K Contracting in Dothan in the amount of $167,162. L&K was the lowest responsible bidder for the project.

The sewer improvements will be made on the north side of town in support of the expansion at Southern Classic Foods.

Britt Thomas, city manager, said boring will be done under Highway 93 and will not affect the movement of traffic on the highway. Sewer improvements will be made along 6th Avenue, John Lewis Boulevard, Galloway Road and under Veterans Boulevard. The project will alleviate sewage drainage problems such as those that occurred during heavy rains in April 2014.

The project should be completed in 90 days once work begins.

Thomas said the environmental studies are being completed on the 223 acres on the north side of town the city plans to purchase for industrial growth. The studies must be completed before the property can be purchased.

The council voted to give Mayor Jimmy Ramage the authority to sign the documents required to pre-apply and apply for a State Revolving Loan Fund for Sewer Improvements. The loan fund is available for 2.25 percent financing, payable in 20 years. The city’s sewer improvement project is set at $1.98 million. However, if the city receives a Community Development Block Grant, that figure will be reduced to $1.5 million.

Thomas reviewed the city’s January FY 2015 financials and said the city is tracking as in the adopted budget.

Ramage reminded the council members of upcoming events –the Old-Time Church Gospel Singing at 6:30 Saturday night at Studio 116 on Main Street and the Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday at Bulldog Stadium at Pike County High School.

The Brundidge City Council meets at 4 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Brundidge City Hall. The meetings are open to the public.