host posted on September 16, 2009 08:09
By Adam Smith
The North Jefferson News
Fultondale employees will have a little extra spending money starting this month.
The city council approved a 3-percent cost of living raise to all employees, beginning with the Sept. 30 payroll. The council also increased monthly health insurance benefits from $333 to $367.
Mayor Jim Lowery said despite the recession, Fultondale is fiscally sound enough to offer the increase in benefits to its employees.
“Because we’re able to do this, we want our money put into our most valuable resource, which is our people,” he said. “The employees realize that times are hard, but they’re happy to have a job and they’re happy to get a raise.”
Lowery said the city has been fiscally responsible over the last year, paying cash for larger purchases like a new fire truck and new equipment for the city’s public works department.
The city had initially planned to enter the bond market to help finance larger projects, but decided to wait until the economy showed signs of recovery.
The council may pass the new budget at the next council meeting on Sept. 28.
In other news, the council authorized the mayor to take bids on 18 taser guns. The funds used to purchase the equipment were made possible through the city’s share of the federally funded Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). The city’s portion was $17,062.
Police Chief Byron Pigg told the council that only patrol officers would be assigned a taser and would have to undergo training before operating the device. Part of the training includes being tased.
Pigg said there are officers within the department who can train others on how to use the weapon.
“These are non-life threatening weapons that can be used when you wouldn’t want to escalate the situation by using a handgun,” he said. “They’ve been somewhat controversial, but nothing that would lead us into litigation unless abused.”
Pigg said studies show that the use of the devices can also help reduce injuries to both suspects and arresting officers.
In other news, the council:
• authorized the mayor to enter into a change order with Blakeney Co. for guard rail sections on U.S. 31 and Loden Lane in the amount of $15,450
• approved a business license application for Stan Smith Real Estate