With the anticipated opening of the new Wetumpka Fire Station No. 2, the Wetumpka City Council approved converting some part-time employees to full-time at its Monday meeting.
Each fire house will be manned by three full-time firefighters 24/7.
“This is something we feel like is needed,” Wetumpka fire chief Greg Willis told the council. “It makes scheduling easier.”
The cost total for salary and benefits for the three new positions is about $220,000 per year. The city spent about $275,000 on part-time firefighters last year and is on track to spend about $325,000 this year.
Willis said the department would use less part time help when the positions were filled.
The council agreed to once again contract with Reggie Bass for professional services for continued development of a baseball program. Mayor Jerry Willis said Bass has done the work before and helps manage costs, staffing and organization.
The Wetumpka Police Department was approved to gain better access to mental health services. The council approved spending up to $30,000 per year and Elmore County will provide the benefits for the position. The person will coordinate training and counseling services for law enforcement officers.
In other action the Wetumpka City Council:
• Approved a consulting agreement with Sain and Associates for engineering services not to exceed $60,000.
• Granted permission to enter into contract with Civic Plus to design and host the city’s website.
• Approved a partnership with Elmore County for paving and striping city streets.
• Approved minutes for the April 1 meeting.
• Approved a retail wine and beer off premises license for Publix.
• Approved the purchase of a new mower for the Wetumpka Sports Complex.
• Approved Outboard Dragboat Racing Association to host boat races out of Gold Star Park July 13 and 14.
The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, May 6.
