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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The Maplesville Town Council unanimously approved a raise of $2 per hour for Maplesville Police Department officers during its July 11 meeting.

The request was by outgoing Police Chief Robbie Autery during his final meeting as a way to retain employees. New Police Chief Riley Barnett will be in place before the next meeting.

“We have got to do something about retention,” Autery said.

The council discussed how nearby departments were paying more than Maplesville was paying.

Increasing each officers pay by $2 will cost $26,322.

“I will agree to a $2 an hour raise simply because we have got to keep officers here,” council member Ray Mitchell said.

The need for retention was highlighted by the resignation of officer Michael Bradford, which was accepted at the same meeting.

Autery said the department had saved a lot of money in the past year compared to the previous year on overtime, and this would help offset the cost.

“We have cut out so much on overtime this year,” town clerk Dawn Smitherman said. “We are way under budget as to what we have been in the past.”

Retaining employees saves money on overtime because it eliminates the need for officers to cover more shifts.

Council member Shelia Hall asked that the council look at another increase in the hourly rate for officers in six months in order to save money spent on training officers.

Increasing the rate of pay for all employees was discussed but was tabled since it was mid-budget year.

Maplesville police are investigating fake payroll checks that have been cashed at two local businesses that will cash a check for a fee.

“They look legit,” Autery said. “They even have an address here in Maplesville, but it is not a legit address.”

Autery said a similar scam is being run in other parts of the state as well.

The department has also applied for a grant to purchase P25 radios for the police vehicles.

The council discussed road deterioration issues and fining trucks that bring debris onto the roadway.

The council also approved:

• Sending a letter to a property owner that had trash and debris piled in their yard.
• Allowing the Chilton County Relay for Life to use the town park for its 2023 event.
• Revisions to the garbage service bid which will be sent out. Bids are scheduled to be opened Aug. 8.