CHERRY VALLEY — The Cherry Valley Police Department is seeking to join the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, also known as STEP.
During their March meeting, the Cherry Valley City Council approved a request from Police Chief Jamie Walls for new policies concerning seat belts and overtime pay. Chief Walls said the policies as well as the cost for workman’s compensation rates will have to be submitted for the department to qualify. The department can be reimbursed for equipment purchases through the program.
Alderman Ricky Lace also talked about the possibility of bringing an ambulance service to Cherry Valley.
In other news, the Cherry Valley City Council approved a request from Water Manager A.W. Curtis to increase the salary for Stacey Bennett.
Curtis said Bennett’s salary met the minimum wage when combining both administrative and water responsibilities, but not for water only.
The council agreed to increase Bennett’s salary from $9.20 an hour to $10.45 an hour, or $21,736 annually.
Curtis also reported on the construction of the new water plant, noting soil samples are currently being taken. The electronic read meters should also be installed starting this month.
Bennett also presented the June 2023 water audit report with no findings.
The council gave Bennett the approval to pay bills online, citing mail delays. Bennett, the city’s Recorder-Treasurer, said the city has encountered bills getting lost in the mail, or taking several weeks to be delivered resulting in late fees.
Aldermen received an update on the fire department’s rescue truck. The truck is being taken to Searcy for repairs to the chassis. It could take upwards of three months for the repairs to be completed based on how fast supplies are delivered.
Aldermen also approved preparations on the city lot to get it ready for food trucks. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates will be available.
