FRIARS POINT — The city of Friars Point was turned down for two grant applications that would have gone to remodeling property in the community.
Mayor James Washington reported during Tuesday’s city council meeting that he would reapply for both of those grants.
Washington spoke for North Delta Planning District representative Lillian Hilson, who could not be at the meeting.
He mentioned a community development block grant from Housing Urban Development to rebuild homes. The city recently completed rebuilding three homes from another grant.
“We anticipated that,” said Washington of being turned down. “They encouraged us to submit our applications the next round.”
Washington also discussed a small town municipal grant to remodel city hall and Hirsberg drug story nearby.
“We’re lacking but two points in funding in that,” Washington said. “They told me the same thing. They encouraged us to resubmit.
“City hall is 40 years old. We wanted to completely revamp the whole thing along with that Hirsberg drug store.”
Washington said the family donated the drug store to Friars Point. He added it would be utilized for children, afterschool programs or possibly setting a business up.
The mayor was not discouraged after being turned down.
“Anytime when people call down there and be disgruntled because they feel they didn’t get funding or they didn’t get it this round, what you are really doing is jeopardizing everybody else because the state is not going to put money where they think people are disgruntled and they complain,” Washington said.
Washington discouraged anyone from calling state officials complaining about reasons the grants were not approved.
“They already know that’s a lie because they’re the ones who approve the application,” he said.
“I’ve already spoken to Lillian and we’re going to resubmit. This isn’t the first time the town has been turned down with a submitted application. We just turn around and resubmit it, kind of jazz it up.”
Washington encouraged city officials to make the trip to Jackson with him.
“I need to go to Jackson because email and on the cell phone isn’t going to get it,” he said. “I need to sit in front of somebody and put my claim.”
The city was having issues with its lift station on Collins Street to the point where it was not working, but William McMahan fixed it for $14,000 less than the cost would have been elsewhere.
Washington said McMahan did not charge Friars Point for labor.
The council also approved police chief Tracy Vance attending the Mississippi Association of Chief of Police winter educational conference Dec. 10 to 14.
The council also approved all town clerks attending the Mississippi Municipal Clerks and Tax Collectors Association winter educational workshop Dec. 12 to 14.
Washington concluded the meeting with high praise for his council.
“I’m thankful for you all,” he said. “You know why I’m thankful for you? I’m thankful that you guys are not like the guys in Jonestown. They’re arguing and fussing at each other. I’m thankful for your mindset. You’ve got a vision on what needs to be done.”
Washington encouraged citizens to attend meetings and find out what the city officials in Friars Point are doing.
“Nothing is going to be hid from anybody,” he said. “I’m not going to do anything to hide.”
