The Pelham city council voted unanimously to pass the city’s 2006 budget Sept. 19.

The new budget makes way for improvements to city fire stations. including hiring 12 new firefighters for Station 5 in the Ballantrae community, as well as a $500 bonus for each city employee.

&uot;The operating budget includes all the departments such as the Pelham Civic Complex, the Racquet Club, the Ballantrae Golf Club and the sewer and water works,&uot; Pelham mayor Bobby Hayes said in a written statement to the council.

Hayes reported that the total combined projected revenues for the 2006 budget year were some $34.66 million, more than $3 million in excess of the 2005 budget.

&uot;This represents a 9.74 percent increase in projected revenues,&uot; Hayes said. &uot;The city’s fund balances continue to grow each year providing a comfortable reserve.&uot;

Hayes mentioned a number of city projects to be completed in 2006 including the new public safety complex.

&uot;Construction began on our public safety building for the police and court this year,&uot; he said.

&uot;The building should be completed by October 2006. The additional space will allow us to serve our citizens more efficiently and effectively.&uot;

Other 2006 budget highlights included:

One additional laborer for the public works department.

Renovating the Pelham Depot at the city park.

Installing lights for the football practice field

Adding computerized EMS patient care reports

Installing more disaster sirens around the city

Computer upgrades for city services

Lighting for specialty cosmic skating at the civic complex

Infrastructure improvements in the water department

The price tag on the 2006 fiscal year improvements was set at some $1.16 million