The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees tackled a busy agenda during their regular meeting in May, approving key expenditures, recognizing local community efforts and addressing several personnel matters.
The board approved the payment of May’s recurring bills and the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting. Trustee Danny Haley made the motion, seconded by Johnny Pollard. All trustees voted in favor, except Robert Ross Jr., who abstained.
During the public speaking portion, resident Brett Carter praised local high school boys for assisting him during his recent move. He also encouraged attendance at the upcoming school awards assembly on May 14, where the Chamber of Commerce presented scholarships. Carter also proposed organizing another town cleanup day.
Department reports
• Police: Officer Curtis Elkins reported the arrival of new departmentissued weapons and provided an overview of the monthly police activity.
• Fire: Fire Chief Brian Casinger shared that calls were slow, limited mainly to medical assists and a mutual aid call to Gore for a structure fire.
• City Maintenance: Supervisor Fred Shamblin said the crew is catching up on mowing after heavy rain and confirmed the cemetery was cleaned and ready for Decoration Day.
• Code Enforcement: Officers Lisa Settlemyer and Justin Ohl reported progress on several properties, including Roy Brown’s house teardown.
Nine letters were sent out regarding property violations, with three potential abatements pending. They noted that items in Tammy Daniels’ yard do not meet the ordinance’s definition of a fence.
The officers also suggested organizing volunteers to mow for residents unable to do so themselves.
Fireworks, other matters approved
The board voted unanimously to fund $1,000 in advertising for the 2025 Fireworks Show and to allow the fire department to spend up to $5,000 from its own funds for the event. Additionally, trustees agreed to waive all park fees for the “BBQ and Shoes” event scheduled for September 13.
The board authorized the construction of an 8×8-foot awning over the back door of Town Hall. Trustees also approved soliciting at least three bids for the job and agreed to pay a remaining balance of $423 to Larry Chappell for recent carpet installation at Town Hall.
After reviewing multiple bids, the board voted 4–1 to purchase a 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4×4 for $49,965 to replace the aging 2011 Ford F-250. Trustee Ross cast the lone dissenting vote.
A proposal to form a committee to oversee Webbers Falls Park was discussed, but no action was taken due to ongoing questions about property ownership within the park.
Staff changes, executive session
The board accepted the resignation of Cassandra Perceful and voted unanimously not to reduce the code enforcement staff.
An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters involving the town’s floodplain administrator, code enforcement officers, and a police officer. Upon returning to open session:
• Norma Griffith will receive an additional $150 per pay period for her duties as Floodplain Administrator.
• No action was taken on Lisa Settlemyer and Justin Ohl.
• Tommy Hutson was promoted to fulltime police officer with a salaried wage of $15 per hour.
