The financial state of Altha was brought up at a Calhoun County Commission meeting earlier this month. Darrell McDougald, commissioner for district 2 that includes Altha, expressed concerns about Altha’s ability to continue as a municipality.
“Their financial condition is bad and deteriorating,” McDougald told his fellow board members. “There has been discussion over the last year or so about dissolving the town. If that happens, it will fall back on the county just like Pine Island,” referring to the water system the county inherited at the subdivision on Hwy. 69 North. “We will have garbage, water and sewage.”
McDougald added, “We don’t need that burden.”
Expenses for road repairs and tree removal are a couple areas McDougald has been attempting to assist with to help the Town of Altha save money, with the county picking up the tab as a partner to the small community.
“It will be a lot better for us if the Town of Altha stays the Town of Altha,” he emphasized. “It’s going to be to our advantage to keep them solvent.”
No one was available for comment at Altha Town Hall at press time Tuesday. Mayor Wes Johnston also could not be reached for comment Tuesday morning, but we will interview him this week to get more details on these concerns.
