By Clif Knight

Hartselle Enquirer

Falkville Council adopted a $2.6 million budget for FY 2018-19 at its regular meeting Sept. 10.

Revenues are projected to top out at $2,612,883, while expenditures are expected to total $2,476,242, leaving a balance of $136,641.

A 1 percent cost of living raise for all employees and a one-step raise for eligible employees are included.

Revenue sources show sales tax leading the way at $450,000. Gas tax follows at $395,000, and privilege licenses came in at $135,000.

The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Mayor Ken Winkles thanked department heads for operating their departments at or under budget in FY 2017-18.

In other meeting business, Winkles was authorized to pursue the purchase of a new or late model used truck for the utilities department. Winkles reported he located a used truck in Hartselle for $20,000, but it sold before he had a chance to bring it before the council for consideration.

Town attorney Larry Madison advised the council it has the option of bidding out a new or used vehicle or buying a new one off the state low bid list.

Winkles awarded lapel pins and certificates of appreciation to seven employees whose employment dates fall in the third quarter: Jeff Pike, 13 years; Jill Walling, eight years; Aaron Burgess, eight years; Kenneth Fortenberry, seven years; Seth Sullivan, five years; William Riley, three years; Kay Saint, two years; and Lance Stidham, two years.

Other agenda items were acted upon as follows:

• proclaimed the month of September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the Town of Falkville.
• approved the re-adoption of the Falkville Downtown Improvement Plan on the recommendation of the Falkville Planning Commission. The vote followed a public hearing, during which no one in the audience offered a comment.
• approved the renewal of liability insurance with the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation at a cost of $42,570
• approved the reappointment of Pam Asherbranner and Tina Rogers to the Falkville Library Board.
• changed the employment status of SRO Seth Sullivan from contract employee to permanent employee.

A coffee with the mayor is scheduled Sept. 20 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Town Hall. The public is invited.