The town of

Harpersville pumped about $8,000 into the Fire Department budget Monday night to make payroll.

According to Captain John Yancey, the volunteer fire department turned in its payroll on Friday afternoon and checks were due to be paid firefighters by 2 p.m. Monday.

City Clerk Joyce Robertson said she told firemen on Friday that the department was over budget and that the Town Council would need to amend the budget.

Upon hearing the news that about $8,000 would be needed to make payroll this month, Councilmember Shirley Hamilton said the town needed a budget amendment.

Mayor Wayne Moore pointed out that the council pumped $25,000 into the Fire Department budget two months prior. He also pointed out that 98 percent of the Fire Department’s budget is payroll.

Councilmember Terry White questioned how the department grew to having funds divided among three-and-one-half paid personnel. Yancey responded that another driver was to be paid from ambulance funds.

White said, &uot;We are not implying bad service.&uot; However, he said, the town has to say within its means.

Robertson told the council that it will take about $62,000 to finish the year. And Moore pointed out that the department will be $87, 000 over budget in one fiscal year.

Following unanimous approval to make payroll, Hamilton moved that the council meet with Fire Chief Max Roper to work on an amended budget. Moore added that there are six applications for the position of Fire Chief which will be scheduled for interviews.

In other matters, the council:

* Approved the annexation of 40 acres of land off Rock School Road.

* Approved the payment of $713 in dues to the Greater Birmingham Regional Planning Commission.

* Tabled action to pay the Greater Birmingham Regional Planning Commission $27,500 for a future land use plan, to update zoning ordinances and maps.

*Approved a $2,500 contribution for the 13-14-year-old Dizzy Dean baseball team to attend the Dizzy Dean World Series.

*Approved the minutes of the previous meeting