Staff report

VALLEY GRANDE &8212; Officials continue the search for a new banking option.

The city&8217;s only bank, BankTrust, located at the intersection of Ala. Hwy. 22 and County Road 16, will officially close May 9. At Monday&8217;s Valley Grande City Council meeting, Mayor Tom Lee reported the ATM inside the Valley Grande Market will be removed as well.

Lee said he received notification from the bank about 10 days ago, citing &8220;a great lack of participation&8221; being the reason for the decision.

The search has already begun for a replacement.

The bank&8217;s local office space is not owned by the city and its business license is based on total assets accumulated from the community.