During its September 2 meeting, the Petersburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved several key measures, including a health insurance plan for town employees, a grant for fire department gear, and funding for the community center.
Mayor Shantel Gatlin explained that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the state ensures the town will continue to provide health insurance for its employees through the state plan. The MOU includes new language for agencies with fewer than 20 employees. “We must maintain 50% enrollment,” said Mayor Gatlin, noting that the town has two full-time employees, so at least one must be enrolled.
In addition, Mayor Gatlin announced a new policy prohibiting the storage of operational documents or employee communications related to healthcare benefits and human resources. The MOU was unanimously approved by the board.
The board also approved accepting a $1,000 matching grant from Public Entity Partners for the fire department. The grant, which requires a 50% match of $500 from the town, will be used to purchase turnout gear.
The grant is part of the town’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance program. “They’ve accepted the application, but we need a resolution to proceed with receiving the grant,” Mayor Gatlin explained. The resolution was approved with a motion from Vice Mayor Kevin Coffield and a second from Alderman Randy McDonald.
Additionally, the board approved transferring a Crown Victoria vehicle to the fire department for training purposes. The vehicle, which no longer runs, will be used for extrication training. “It’s parked by the dumpster. She’s toast,” Mayor Gatlin said. Once the training is complete, the fire department will handle disposing of the vehicle and sending it to the junkyard. Any proceeds from the sale will go back to the fire department, though Mayor Gatlin noted it probably won’t be a significant amount.
Related topics:
