December 17, 2008 Edition

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WRFD awarded $21,000 grant

Gloria Wilkerson
Staff Writer

The Walnut Ridge City Council held its final meeting of the year on Dec. 9. They discussed the purchase of a car for the police department and the grant they have received for the fire department.

Alderman Michael "Button" Wallin informed the council that the fire department has received a GIF grant in the amount of $21,000. The grant was applied for last February.

"The money will be used to replace the doors on the bay area of the new fire department building," Wallin said.

"Part of the money will allow the department to begin the high pressure water loop around the north side of town. That will give the city better fire protection and will also assist us in receiving a lower ISO rating. The lower our rating, the less money citizens have to pay for insurance for their home and businesses."

The city is still working on a grant to pay for new tornado sirens.

Mayor Michelle Rogers told the council that the city has purchased a 2006 Dodge Charger for the police department. The car, which had been repossessed by First National Bank, has a V8 engine and only 55,000 miles on it. It cost the city $10,000, which Rogers said is a really good buy for the city.

In other business, the council:

unanimously approved a budget for 2009.
reappointed Steve Jackson to an eight-year term on the Water Commission, and Dr. Ralph Joseph to the Airport Commission. Sam Massey was appointed to replace Milton Smith on the commission. Smith will be serving on the Intermodal Facility board.
learned that the city's employee Christmas dinner will be Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Gateway Theater.
discussed the need for asphalt work on city streets as the cost of gas and oil go down. More ditch work also needs done to prevent standing water, and the Street Committee will prioritize repairs needed.

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