By JUSTIN AVERETTE / Managing Editor

Due to high demand and increased wear-and-tear, rental fees for the Jemison Municipal Complex Auditorium are going up.

The council voted Monday to increase the one-day rental fee from $300 to $500. A $200 deposit will be due on the date the auditorium is booked, and the remainder will be due 10 days prior to the event.

Mayor Eddie Reed said while he’s excited about how popular the auditorium has been, it’s costing the city more and more to clean up after events and keep the room in tiptop shape.

“It’s booked solid through September on weekends already,” Reed said, adding that bookings have been made into 2012.

Separate fees to use the auditorium’s kitchen and soundboard were done away with and incorporated into the flat fee of $500 for everyone.

In other business, the council took the following actions:

•Entered two letters, one from Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer and one from Mayor Eddie Reed and the council, into Monday night’s minutes. The letters offered thanks and gratitude to the overwhelming support given the city following the death of Officer Josh Newman.

•Approved installing a sprinkler system for the front half of the municipal complex, including the council chambers, to meet fire safety codes. The auditorium already has a sprinkler system.

•Granted $750 to Jemison High School to be used for the high school band.

•Declared April “Community Clean-up Month.” During the last two weeks of the month, residents can leave any kind of trash for pickup, except for batteries, tires and a few other items. If you have questions, contact Jemison City Hall at (205) 688-4492.

•Purchased a tractor from Clanton Tractor and Equipment through purchase agent Creative Leasing. Reed said it’s time again to start cutting grass, and the city’s older tractor needs to be replaced.

“The tractor we have has done all it can do, and we can’t continue to put money into it,” Reed said.

•Set a work session for March 31 to watch an ethics law video that is mandatory of all elected officials and certain department heads throughout the state.