RISON - The Rison City Council approved a $1,200 raise for all hourly city employees during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night.The council unanimously approved Mayor Charles Roberts' recommendation to approved the raises after meeting in executive session. Roberts' recommendation was to freeze the salaries for existing department heads while giving the city's three hourly employees a $1,200 per year raise.In addition, the council approved giving one-time $300 Christmas bonuses to all qualifying employees who have been with the city at least one year while giving those who have been with the city for more than 25 years a $400 bonus.Roberts also gave the city council an update on the progress of the utility improvements currently underway. He said the wastewater treatment facility at the solid waste transfer station on Hwy. 79 and the water tank renovation projects are expected to be wrapped up by the end of the month. Meanwhile, the installation of the new water lines could be completed by end of February or early March, pending weather.There was a question from the council to the mayor about the water line contractor dressing up properties where it had to dig up water lines. Roberts said the contractor is supposed to do that as the last phase of the project.On the subject of utilities, the mayor informed the council that he is already working on funding to begin phase 2 of his water improvement plan. The phase 1 project currently underway replaces the water lines in the downtown area as well as the main residential areas of town. phase 2 will address improving the water lines outside that area.Other Business In other business at Tuesday night's Rison City Council meeting: Roberts told the council that he is pursuing a grant to help clean up 10 acres of the industrial park located on the east side of Hwy. 79 north of town. In addition, he is also seeking a Trails of Life...
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