The Montevallo City Council took steps Monday night to change employee retirement benefits to a pre-tax benefit and to increase life and accidental death benefits for employees from $10,000 to $15,000.

The council also officially named another field for a fallen ballplayer and received a heartfelt letter of appreciation from the Spears family on the recent naming of a ballpark for Steven Carlyle (Buck) Spears Jr.

Under the retirement benefit change, employees’ contribution to their retirement will be tax sheltered.

According to accountant Milly Stewart, employees will now pay federal taxes on contributions when they draw them out upon retirement. In the past, employees paid taxes on the contribution at each pay period.

The change will go into effect in June.

The city will enjoy a savings of $60 per month on employee life and accidental death benefits as the result of a switch from State Farm to Colonial Life. The benefits will also increase from $10,000 to $15,000.

In another change, the council approved a fee of $10 for assessment letters.

Mayor Sharon Anderson asked the cemetery committee to review proposed cemetery rules and regulations and asked the park committee to review a proposed park facility rental agreement.

The council approved a burn permit ordinance that includes the change in the issuance of those permits from the city clerk to the fire chief. The council also approved a cash advance for Linda Easterling to attend a certification course.

It was reported that the Highway 119 bridge will be complete in two to three weeks. Also, Motley Avenue is nearly ready to pave in a paving project that will come in $6,000 to $7,000 under budget.

The council also expressed its support for a project to extend a water line from County Road 22 to County Road 24 to serve the Hidden Forest and Colonial Oaks subdivisions.

In other business, the council unanimously approved a resolution officially naming the number four ballfield at Stephens Park the Brad Stephen Epperson Field. The council had previously named the park for Epperson but not by resolution.

Epperson lost a longtime battle with cancer on Jan. 6, 2003, at the age of 15.

He excelled academically, earning the second highest grade point average in his class at the time of his death.

He played baseball in Montevallo for eight years ending his career as on all-star on the Montevallo Major League Dixie Youth team in 2000.

The Spears family expressed its appreciation to the council for the naming of another ballfield in honor Steven Carlyle Spears Jr.

&uot;Our entire family was so moved by the beautifully written proclamation, the dedication and the lovingly detailed ceremony, and we can think of no earthly tribute to Steven that he would have valued more than the loving that you made possible.&uot;

April 15 is the last day for yard beautification award applications. And it was announced that a Children’s Health Fair will be held at Orr Park on April 16.

The Montevallo Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will be held April 21 at Montevallo Golf Club