Sandersville employees to get a pay raise [Laurel Leader-Call, Miss.]

Sept. 14--SANDERSVILLE -- The Sandersville Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved their Fiscal Year 2010-2011 budget Monday evening. The vote was 3-0, with two board members absent, and there was no debate.

The budget includes $1,413,600 in forecasted revenue with $820,205 in expenditures and disbursements.

Alderman John Caraway said the budget includes a raise for town employees, while the pay rate for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen will remain the same.

"It's good that we were able to give our employees a raise," he said.

While there is a little "wiggle room" in the budget, Sandersville Mayor Walter "Buzz" Jack said some money must be allowed for when the Bogue Homa casino opens in December.

"There's a lot to determine with the casino," Jack said. "We may have to raise the number of full-time policemen, and we don't know what kind of compensation the casino will give back to us in salaries, equipment or even policemen.

"That's not a done deal," he added. "We're going to have to feel our way through as the project is going on. But, they're going to open around the first or second week of December. There will be an estimated 27,000 people coming through town in a month."

Jack said he is "optimistic" the casino will help the Town of Sandersville to grow.

"Otherwise, we're going to have to put it (the money) up ourselves," he said.

<p>Alderman Sherry Lowe said she also hopes the casino helps bring development to Sandersville.

Former Sandersville Police Chief Ronnie Fall is already expected to open Twiggy's restaurant in Sandersville in the coming months. Alderman Bob White said a Subway will also open in the near future.

In other news, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen:

--Heard reports from Lacy Lockhart of AFLAC and the Sandersville Public Works Department.

--Tabled reconsidering the termination of Sandersville police officer Carrol Windham until a new Sandersville Police Chief is chosen.

--Heard from AEE officials about what they are planning for the school year.

The Sandersville Neighborhood Watch will host a hurricane preparedness training for the general public at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Sandersville City Hall. Refreshments will be served.

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