Union Grove Fire Department has met all the legal requirements to add a second manned station.

Department chiefs Lee Headley and Shawn Sparks approached the Chilton County Commission Monday night requesting the appropriation of funds to the new facility effective Oct. 1 of this year.

“They have met all the requirements,” said County Attorney John Hollis Jackson.

Headley and Sparks said the new station should improve the department’s ISO rating, which could in turn lower homeowner’s insurance premiums. The department, located east of Jemison, currently has a coverage area of between 70 and 75 square miles, Headley estimated.

In related business, both Union Grove and East Chilton fire departments are getting new community shelters. The commission voted Monday night to seek bids on the ECFD shelter.

In other business, residents of County Road 138 requested a public hearing on the proposed closing of their road from the intersection of County Road 135 to Jemison city limits. The commission approved the request and agreed to conduct the hearing at its Aug. 23 meeting. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the commission quarters of the Chilton County Courthouse.

Also, County Engineer Tony Wearren requested permission to hire two new truck drivers. Wearren said his department currently has seven drivers and nine working trucks.

“It does not affect my budget,” he said.

The commission approved the hires 6-1 with Joe Headley voting “nay.”

The commission also:

Agreed to swap the old county EMA truck to the Sheriff’s Department for two Ford F-150s to be used at Minooka Park and by the Road Department, pending the approval of Sheriff Kevin Davis, Wearren and Park Manager Gerald Arrington.

Granted Wearren permission to change the status of two crewmen from temporary to full-time laborers.

Appointed Vanessa McKinney to the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging Board.

Extended its lease agreement with the Chilton Cattlemen’s Association on the rental of the cattle barn.