By Pat Culverhouse

Sibley residents will have the opportunity to voice opinions on their power source when the town’s council conducts a public hearing at its January 8 meeting to determine who will be supplying electricity to the south Webster community.

During Monday’s meeting, Mayor Jimmy Williams said the town’s 25-year contract with current supplier Entergy expires in January and presents an opportunity to explore options. 

“For the past several months I’ve been putting figures together to see if it’s best to go with Entergy or Claiborne Electric,” Williams told town council members. “We’ll make the decision at the next meeting following the public hearing.”

Williams said he’s spoken with the town’s attorney about a new state law that could have a bearing on the length of the new power contract. “We should have answers in time for the hearing, and we can determine what’s in the best interests of our people,” he said.

Town council members also voted unanimously to spend $9,000 purchase a .36 acre tract of land at the future Lane Meadows subdivision near the northern town limits on U.S. Hwy. 371. Williams said the purchase is necessary to provide proper drainage for the eight-plus acre development.

Lane Meadows, which is owned by the town of Sibley, will feature 21 lots in Unit 1.

“We’re hoping dirt work on this will begin within the next couple of weeks,” Williams said. “We’ve spent a little over two years working on this. It’s something we believe will help Sibley grow and will be beneficial to this area.”