By Scott Mims

The Jemison City Council voted to hire a part-time paid fire and rescue chief Monday night.
John Dennis was hired to fill the position, whose duties will include overseeing the department’s rules and regulations and the training of volunteers.
Council member Faye King explained that Bobby Tucker and Donna Manasco will remain in their leadership positions over fire and rescue, respectively.
“He’s not taking anybody’s place,” King said of Dennis.
The decision immediately followed an executive session held for the discussion of good name and character.
“We want that fire and rescue department to become what it’s supposed to be,” Mayor Eddie Reed said, thanking all the volunteers for their dedicated service. “There’s a lot of work ahead of us.”
Reed declined to comment on Dennis’ rate of pay.
In other business, the council approved a Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget totaling slightly more than $3,045,000.
The budget projects a revenue increase of approximately $50,000 from the previous fiscal year.
The city also entered into an agreement with the state to regularly maintain pavement, markings and signs near the railroad crossing on Union Grove Road. The crossing is scheduled to receive a signal upgrade soon.
“This has been long and coming,” Reed said. “We’re sure glad to hear it.”

The council also:
• Approved an ordinance outlining personnel rules and regulations for the city
• Approved the annexation of seven acres near the intersection of county roads 42 and 51
• Set the city’s Christmas parade for Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m., preceded by lineup at 1 p.m.