By Rupert Howell
Sardis officials authorized Mayor Billy Russell to work toward getting the marina area at Sardis Lake classified as a resort area to allow the marina to serve alcohol during extended hours during Tuesday night’s monthly meeting.

The area was annexed by the City of Sardis with a development plan that never got past the first phase of an operable marina following dredging and other preliminary work needed to make that come to fruition.

Skipper Marine operated the marina for several years but a recession and politics downstream and wind damage all contributed to the overall plan coming to a halt.

But the marina was sold earlier this year to Aircraft Maintenance Service of Nashville and Tupelo who assured the Sardis board of mayor and aldermen that the facility would be upgraded and well maintained.

“It’s a total new look from what it’s been,” Mayor Russell told aldermen.

Marina manager Ken Hoff responded, “It’s not the same old marina.”

Hoff was accompanied at the meeting by Erick Larson who met with board members during the initial request while seeking to purchase the marina that is located on U.S. Corps property at Sardis Lake. That property is under a long term lease with Sardis and was annexed for the development.

Larson said a restaurant is open at the facility with limited hours and offerings now, but mentioned a complete restaurant with traditional hours and menu beginning Memorial Day weekend.

Larson also mentioned that the facility may later be enlarged to better host reunions, weddings, receptions and such.

Also during the monthly meeting, Jeff Walters with North Delta Planning and Development District informed members of upcoming application deadlines for grants from Community Development Block Grants, Delta Regional Authority, and Small Community Grants.

Walters mentioned a previous request to look into a walking trail grant from the Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, and stated that the municipality was not  eligible because basketball courts constructed with previous grants from that agency had not been maintained.

Fire Chief Chuck Moore explained the annual Fire Wise grant funds, $2,000 for equipment and $500 for marketing, and Police Chief Chris Martin received a green light to apply for a law enforcement grant that pays $3,750 with the city responsible for $1,250.

The Sardis board’s monthly meeting is held each first Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Sardis City Hall on Lee Street.