Trion Mayor Johnny Ingle Thursday night opened the Trion Town Council meeting with a prayer as always. But last night, he included in that prayer condolences, thoughts and hope for the residents of Newtown Connecticut, where a shooting at an elementary school last week claimed the lives of 26 children and school faculty members.

In the work session prior to the meeting town Superintendent Eddy  Willingham opened bids for the demolition of the Park Avenue Apartments. Six companies submitted bids which ranged from a low of  almost $265,000 to a high of almost $438,000 for the base bids. There were also two alternate bids which consist of saving and cleaning up the brick that is removed; and additional backfill to provide drainage to the area. The bid is to be awarded in early January once the council has time to go over them.

The council also authorized Ingle to sign the agreement for the wording on the ballot of the SPLOST agreement which goes into effect next December.  It will be on the ballot in March.

The ballot has to include exactly how the SPLOST will be used. Ingle  said the tax will go for: expansion, improvement and renovation to the water system and waste water treatment plant facilities; work on roads, streets, sidewalks and bridges; acquisition, improvement and renovations to the town's recreation facilities, recreation equipment and fields. Ingle said there is a lot of work needed in the town. 

The  council decided to meet with the Trion Board of Education on January 10 to discuss bond sales for the new sports complex.