The beginning of Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver’s eighth term in office will see the continuation of several projects from his seventh term.

Driver was re-elected in August 2012.

The city had already begun two extensive efforts with the construction of a third fire station, at the northern end of the city near Interstate 65 Exit 212, and an upgrade to the city’s water treatment plant.

Driver said work is still being done on Phase I of the water treatment plant, including improvements to the settling basin and raw water storage. Phase I is a $2.25 million project, with some funds coming from grants.

Phase II would include putting in new filters.

Driver said the upgrade hasn’t been mandated; the city is simply trying to maintain an exceptional facility and avoid problems.

“When you start running a water treatment plant 17-18-19 hours a day during the summertime, that doesn’t give you much room for a breakdown,” he said.

Clanton’s fire station No. 3 is about halfway completed and is scheduled to be done about the middle of the year.

The project costs about $1.6 million, with some funds coming from grants.

Driver said he hopes the new fire station lowers the city ISO rating, which could save residents money on insurance.

Other projects could also be on the horizon, Driver said, including a continuation of an effort to upgrade the sewer system in the West End community, construction of a senior citizens facility, additions to the playground at E.M. Henry/West End Park, resurfacing of Lake Mitchell Road, and construction of additional storm shelters.