Forest City council approves $1M sewer project, notes Town Hall damage

The Forest City Town Council approved a $1,022,059.50 sewer rehabilitation contract during its April 20 meeting, citing rising costs that pushed the project about $193,000 over budget.

Mayor Steve Holland led the meeting with Town Manager Dr. Janet Mason and commissioners John Mark Bennett, Chris Lee, Dee Dee Bright, and Shawn Moore present. Commissioner Joey Brandle was absent.

Council members also approved a $65,000 budget amendment to replace aging equipment used on town recreation fields.

Leaders highlighted a strong lineup of downtown events and reported more than $1 million in private investment over the past year, along with five new businesses and limited storefront vacancies.

Officials also raised concern about termite damage at Town Hall that has caused sections of the floor to sag, with repairs expected in next year's budget.