The Middlesboro City Council held a special meeting due to election night being at the regularly scheduled time. The following reports were given:

• Middlesboro roads will benefit from $229,120.35 from the state’s Municipal Road Aid starting July 1, the beginning of the 2022-23 fiscal year. The money is to be used for road maintenance, construction and reconstruction.

• The Bell County Chamber of Commerce reported that their spotlight luncheon has rescheduled for May 26.

• Josh Campbell gave the sewer report, noting $478,000  from the state’s Cleaner Water Grant to help fund projects that are currently in the works.

• Fire Chief Robbie England expressed concern about the department losing employees, and will be offering a recruiting class to help with the problem. He said there currently are about 15 applications and the response has been exceptional

• Superintendent Kevin Barnett with the Street Department reported that he believes the problems with the pool have been fixed.

• Tim Kelley with the Codes Department said the office has spent time on mowing, cleaning up garbageand issuing citations for violations. Building inspections are being conducted.

• Police Chief Mike Orr said the department is waiting for grants to be approved and is in the process of installing new computers in the vehicles.

• Judy Grandey said the Downtown Incentive Package has received six applications. She tabled the item for discussion and will call a special meeting to address. Mayor Nelson said that the council has to approve each application and they want to get it right.

• Grandey reminded those about the cleanup at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the city parking lot.

• Mayor Nelson said the city hired a new clerk and there is a chance the city will gain five new inmates to help with outside work.