BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER
HGOLDFINGER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
SMITHS STATION —
The Smiths Station City Council approved a 5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all city employees during its Tuesday night city council meeting.
The finance committee discussed the cost of living agreement during its meeting two weeks ago, as well as other options.
The council unanimously approved the COLA.
“I’ll say, I wish we could pay more, I really do, I appreciate every employee for what they do,” said Smiths Station Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland.
Copeland also specified that this does not apply to council members or the mayor.
JAMES ANDERSON:
In 2009, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy James Anderson was killed in the line of duty.
Copeland said Tuesday night during the work session that he was approached about honoring Anderson in a new way.
Recently, the county held its annual Anderson Memorial Ride.
Copeland said he was asked if the city would consider naming a road or portion of a road after Anderson. He asked Place 4 Council Member Richard Cooley if he would look into what road or portion of road could be named after Anderson.
The city of Smiths Station also sponsors an award for deputies in Anderson’s honor.
OTHER BUSINESS:
- The council approved and adopted the general fund budget for departments for fiscal year 2023-24.
- The council approved and adopted the environmental fund budget for fiscal year 2023-24.
- The council approved a rescheduling of a city council meeting on Dec. 26 to Dec. 28, 2023.
- The council approved an event request for The Pavilion on Nov. 4 from 2 to 6 p.m. for a Smiths Station Class of 1993 reunion.
- The council recognized the 40th reunion of the Smiths Station Class of 1983.
- The council heard the general fund budget statement for the month of August.
- The council heard the monthly Smiths Station Fire Protection Board of Directors report from Liaison Dwayne Peterson.
