By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Maplesville Town Council will vote on the 2018 fiscal year budget during a special-called meeting on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.

Proposed changes to the budget were discussed at the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting on Sept. 11. These proposed changes include $300,000 for road upgrades and paving, increasing the American Cancer Society Relay for Life donation to $2,500 and increasing funding for the annual fireworks show to $1,000.

The council will contract Hull & Russell for $15,000 to complete the 2017 fiscal year audit.

A 3 percent raise for Officer Keith Crosby, who has completed his one year probation, was approved. Council members Patty Crocker, Richard Davis, Shelia Hall and Hall Harrison voted in favor of the motion. Council member Sheila Haigler voted against.

Haigler said Crosby’s one year evaluation had not been presented to the council prior to consideration of the raise.

Crosby had been evaluated before each of his 25 cent raises, given quarterly during his first year.

The vote was retroactive to his one year anniversary in August.

“We have never given a raise on an anniversary date,” Haigler said.

She commented she felt every employee should be treated the same.

In March, a 3 percent raise had been given to all full-time employees who had been in their position for a year. Employees who had been with the town less than a year were not included in the raise because they receive incremental raises throughout the first year.  According to Town Clerk Dawn Smitherman, Crosby was the first employee to reach one year of service since the vote.

Funding was also the focus of a presentation by Police Chief Todd Ingram. Ingram suggested the town change the policy on police uniform allotment for officers who have been with the department less than a year. Formal recommendation is expected at the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

Maintenance issues at the police department were discussed. Mold and mildew from a leaking air conditioner have created issues in a wall and floor in the police department restroom. Yeargan Contracting has been selected to repair it for $1,300. Bids will be opened during the November meeting.

The Maplesville Volunteer Fire Department also gave updates to the council. Chief Michael Drewry is resigning because he will be moving and will no longer be close enough to serve in the role.

Also during the meeting, the council approved:

— Josey Edwards as a full-time police officer and James Conner as a reserve officer.

— Replacing chairs in the computer area of the library for $1,000.

— Sentell Engineering to complete specifications and bid packets for upcoming paving.

— Sept. 25 as Family day at the request of the Alabama Family Rights Association.