By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

HARPERSVILLE – Harpersville Mayor Theoangelo Perkins requested the city council’s support Dec. 15 in continuing efforts to build a community center in town limits.

“Years ago, maybe nine, we decided as a town to build a community center,” Perkins said.

The town started applying for grants and making bond payments, but the project stalled when the economy began to dip, Perkins said.

“The economy tanked, but I’m happy to say we never missed a payment on our bond,” Perkins said. “I’m proposing that we go back and look at the community center.”

Perkins said the project is estimated to cost more than $80,000, and a potential site for the community center is a multi-acre parcel the town owns near the park.

To recoup funds spent on the center’s construction, Perkins suggested holding a summer camp for children at the center.

Once completed, the center could be utilized as a storm shelter for the town, Perkins added.

In other business, the council recognized Harpersville Day sponsors, South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Diamond Award nominees from Harpersville and other local leaders for their service.

Harpersville Day sponsors included Merrell Brothers, Bama Budweiser, DeLoach Barber and Caspers, P.C., Russell Building Supply, Shelby County Reporter, South Central Steel, South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and Shelby County Extension.

SSCC Diamond Award nominees included William Rayfield and Della Pender for Citizen of the Year, Bama Budweiser for New Business of the Year and Stone Hollow Farms for Business of the Year.

Harpersville Beautification Board chairwoman Gwen Valenti, the Harpersville Water Board and the Harpersville City Council were also recognized.

During the meeting, the council also:

•Heard the town’s police chief position was posted Dec. 15.

•Approved for all full-time town employees to receive a $300 bonus and part-time employees to receive a $150 bonus.

“We appreciate our employees, and we’re good to them,” Perkins said.