By Rupert Howell
A tentative agreement to sell the former Steelmatic Wire USA building in Sardis to Conveyor Tech was reached at a special recess meeting of Sardis officials Tuesday night according to Sardis Mayor Billy Russell.

In his first year as mayor, Russell was noticeably pleased Thursday morning not only because of the pending transaction, but also for the burden of taking the monthly $5,600 note off taxpayers and away from the city’s tight budget.

The city’s attorney Tommy Shuler said the building is being sold for a total of $225,000. Approximately $50,000 remains on the city’s note and the city will finance a portion of the cost.
Both Shuler and Russell were careful not to promise creation of large employment numbers while acknowledging a small number of employees may be added over a period of time.

The building, located on Monroe Street Ext. north of 315 and west of HIghway 51, was built for Air-Kontol in the mid-1990s. After that company filed bankruptcy it was leased to Steelmatic Wire who operated it until going out of business last year.

The city then took control of the building and worked out a short-term lease arrangement with owners of equipment within which helped offset note obligations owed on the building by the city.
Conveyor Tech is currently operating from the building next door according to Shuler who said the company makes conveyor belt systems.

“I do feel we are fortunate to  get the city out of it with someone who will help with employment,” Shuler said.