MAPLESVILLE — Sales tax revenues in the Town of Maplesville were down about $5,000 from February to March, Town Clerk Sheila Haigler announced Tuesday night.

In response to the information, Mayor Kurt Wallace emphasized the importance of citizens shopping locally.

“Please shop locally,” he asked.

Job losses and the economic downturn were factors mentioned as causes of the loss in revenue.

Local lumber plant West Fraser recently announced a two-week shutdown of operations in the town, although the shutdown did not factor into the revenue loss.

In other business, the council approved new rules and regulations for the Maplesville Police Department, including a pursuit policy.

“Vehicle pursuit should be attempted only when, in the judgment of the officer, the danger created by the possible escape of the fleeing violator outweighs the danger created by the pursuit and no reasonable alternative exists,” the policy states.

“We need to do the smart thing and not endanger citizens’ lives needlessly,” the mayor said.

The council also:

approved a resolution seeking grant money for a sewer extension in the Mitchell Hill community, which would require an $88,000 match from the town

hired Eric Smith for the street department, pending drug test

hired Logan Lovelady to work as a part-time or reserve police officer

declared tires from a used fire truck as surplus

purchased an ad in the Clanton Lions Club’s East-West and Peach Festival programs for $175.