Altamont Council Holds Enlightening Discussion

Altamont city council members are considering whether to replace the street lights around town and save on energy costs.

Altamont operates its own municipal electric company, so is eligible for $5,000 in each year of a three-year period to help cover the replacement cost, which would involve the installation of more energy-efficient LEDs.  Estimates are that the City would save $50,000 in energy costs once the new system is in place.

The Council also discussed new decorative lighting along Main Street.  City officials will check on whether grant funds are available to help finance the work.

Council members heard that the south wastewater treatment plant upgrade is on hold while the IEPA reviews the plans for the project.  Altamont has been cited for violations at the plant.  The upgrade carries a $5.5 million price tag.

Altamont council members welcomed Cody Collins as a city police officer.  Collins will be headed to PTI for training in April.  Collins' hiring gives Altamont five fulltime police officers.

Altamont Commissioner Jason Williams reminded that the 1st Annual Union Cemetery Cleanup will be this Saturday starting at 9am and that volunteers are welcome.  A reminder that all ground displays at gravesites will be removed.  Those on shepherd's hooks and the like will remain, but any display on the ground will be removed.