Clif Knight

Hartselle Enquirer

Falkville Council reached a tentative agreement on a 2% step raise for town employees at a work session on March 28.

The proposed salary adjustment is subject to approval at the next regular council meeting on April 4. The cost would be $39,768 annually if all employees qualify for the raise based on job performance evaluations.

Council members discussed the merits of a cost of living adjustment, step raise or a combination of both.

“I’m a step raise guy,” said Councilman Brandon Dillard. “Generally speaking, “you don’t qualify for a step raise by coming to work every day, you have to earn it based on performance.”

“If we don’t give a COLA, some employees could be left out,” said Councilman Jimmie Walker. 

“Since this is the first time we’ve addressed a salary adjustment, I’d suggest that all employees receive the step raise with the approval of their department heads,” said Mayor Ken Winkles. In the future, it should be awarded only to those employees who reach job performance goals.”

Employees did not receive a salary adjustment when the 2016-2017 budget was approved, effective Oct. 1, 2016. However, town officials agreed to reconsider the matter later in the budget year providing revenue was available to support a salary increase.

Council members also discussed a 25 mph speed limit on Culver Road and agreed that it is too low and should be increased to at least 35 mph from Buster Road to U. S. Highway 31.

“I’ve heard complaints that 25 mph is unreasonably low and I agree,” said Councilman Alton Hill. “I think it ought to be moved up to 35 or 40 mph except at North Park.”

Falkville Police Sergeant Aaron Burgess said he felt 35 mph would be a safe limit.

Requests for appropriations were approved as follows: FHS Principal Morris, $5,000; FHS softball, $1,000, FHS yearbook, $200.

The council indicated it would consider the following agenda items at its next regular meeting on April 4:

•Resolution to approve an agreement with Municode for an initial payment of $3,240

•Resolution to reappoint Neil Estes, Robert Summerford and Jill Walling to the Falkville Board of Zoning Adjustments

•Resolution to approve the application for employment form

•Resolution to approve the appointment of Tige Davis to the Falkville Park & Recreation Board

•A proclamation designating the month of April 2017 as Fair Housing Month in Falkville

•Resolution to approve the purchase of protective vests for police officers.

•Resolution to approve the purchase of a computer for the police department evidence room

•Change the date of the next council work session from April 30 to April 23.