GRAVETTE — In a meeting which lasted just about an hour, the Gravette City Council, on Thursday evening, approved a 3 percent salary increase for city employees.

The item was tabled earlier this year, pending a review of city finances at mid-year.

“It has been two years since the employees have received a raise,” said Gravette Mayor Byron Warren. “They are working beyond the call of duty with many of them taking on extra jobs. They are working hard.”

The measure was approved unanimously after a motion by former mayor and council member Bill Howard and seconded by council member Tena Crose.

Warren said it will add about $40,000 to the city’s budget but that city finances have improved and money saved from repairs to such things as water leaks willcover the additional expense.

The raise does not apply to elected officials.

The council okayed a resolution required for seeking an additional $15,000 matching grant from the Arkansas Community Rural Grants Program for additional improvements at the swimming pool site. The city’s initial request earlier this year was rejected with the notation to resubmit.

An agenda item considering placement of a structure at 202 Dallas, S.E., was declared moot since sale of the property was not finalized.

An amendment to the ordinance involving Hillcrest Cemetery was tabled until the council committee meeting, as was discussion of the purchase of a backhoe, pending further information to be presented by alderman John Rambadt.

All members were present but Jimmy Denver, who was in California as chaperone for a school-sponsored trip of HOSA students.

News, Pages 10 on 06/29/2011