The town of Maplesville received a favorable audit for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2009.

The only item that kept the town from meeting its budget was a used fire truck, which was purchased for $80,000.

Mayor Kurt Wallace said the town got a good deal on the truck.

“We had an excellent year,” Wallace said. “The fire department is in real good financial shape, and they could certainly afford to buy the fire truck.”

The recent addition to the fire department’s fleet is hoped to lower Maplesville’s ISO rating, which currently stands at 6/9. An ISO rating is used to determine homeowner’s insurance premiums. The lower the number, the better the rating.

Auditors Hull & Russell made one recommendation that the town increase deductibles for several items for lower insurance rates.

In other business, the Town Council voted to move forward on a $145,000 sidewalk and street lighting grant slated for summer 2010. The new sidewalk will begin at the ALFA Insurance building and follow the truck bypass to Alabama Highway 22.

The Alabama Department of Transportation grant requires a 20-percent match from the town, bringing the total project cost to $180,000.

Wallace reported that Maplesville was turned down for a sewer grant for the third consecutive year. The next step is to extend sewer hookups to Mitchell Hill, where residents are experiencing septic tank problems.

“We plan to apply for this grant again next year,” Wallace said.

The council also approved the purchase of a new police radar gun for $1,500 and a backpack blower for $400.

The radar gun brings all patrol cars up to date on equipment. The blower will be used to clear streets and trails of debris.