Hartselle City Council introduced an ordinance that will increase the mayor’s salary from $55,000 to $65,000 per year, effective Nov. 2, 2020.

The move, which was made at a regular meeting on Jan. 29, would also increase the mayor’s travel expense allowance from $4,200 to $5,000, receive reimbursement at the IRS rate when using personal transportation for business trips exceeding 150 miles and qualify for any general increase or cost of living adjustment (COLA) budgeted for employees.

The ordinance does not change the salaries of council members. Each council member receives $8,000 per year. The council president receives an additional $1,600 per year.

“I talked to the other council members by phone, individually, before the ordinance was drafted,” said Council President Kenny Thompson. “We all agreed it was time to make a change in the mayor’s salary.”

“The last change was made in 2008,” he added. “If you consider the merit and cost of living increases employees have received since that time. A $65,000 annual salary is reasonable.”

State law requires municipalities to set salaries and benefits for council members and mayors six months prior to the next election. The qualifying period for the 2020 municipal election is July 7-21. The election will take place on Aug. 25 and terms of office will commence on Nov. 2.

Mayor Randy Garrison said he plans to seek re-election for a second term.

The council acted on other matters as follows:

•Approved a resolution prohibiting heavy duty trucks on Puckett Road and Mitwede Street

•Authorized the Mayor enter into a contract with Ferguson Waterworks for $137,265.81 to provide the materials required for Hartselle Utilities to complete CDBG water and sewer improvements on Rhodes, Brookline, Andy, Edgewood and Midway Streets

•Accepted a low bid from ProSports to provide uniforms for Dixie Youth Baseball for $43,17 each for youth and $44.82 each for adult

•Accepted a low bid from MPrints to provide Youth T-Ball uniforms for $19.75 each

•Accepted a low bid from ProSports to provide Youth Soccer uniforms for $19.45 each for youth and $20.05 each for adult

•Accepted a low bid from ProSports to provide Youth Softball uniforms for $31.17 each for adult and $29.88 each for youth (no sleeve)

•Authorized the Mayor to sign an agreement with Morgan County Drug Enforcement and Board of Education for the use of a building leased by the Police Department for training purposes.

•Authorized two temporary positions for the Park & Recreation Department

•Approve a revised job description for the administrative position in the Police Department

•Approved quarterly safety award winners as follows: Lynn Warren-City Hall; Aaron Cole-Fire Dept.; Billy Evans-Park & Recreation; Randall Lott-Police Dept.; and Roger Adridge-Public Works.