Smiths Grove commissioners approve Buc-ee's Way, equipment invoice and two pay raises

The Smiths Grove City Commission on March 24 approved a package of administrative and capital items, including formally adding Buc-ee's Way to the city's street system and authorizing equipment and personnel pay increases.

Mayor David Stiffey introduced Municipal Order 2025-001 to accept Buc-ee's Way after a Planning & Zoning engineer inspected the street and found the grounds met the city's acceptance criteria. Commissioner Eric Schroader moved to approve MO 2025-001; Commissioner Patrick Young seconded and the motion passed 5-0. Chief Jason Franks said municipal mapping will be updated to reflect the addition.

The commission also approved two personnel pay increases. Mayor Stiffey moved to raise Officer Wesley Hicks' hourly pay from $26 to $27 and to raise City Clerk Alice Elkins' hourly pay from $17 to $18; both motions were seconded and approved 5-0. The pay increases are effective April 7, 2025, with the change reflected on payroll beginning April 21, 2025.

Separately, the commission voted 5-0 to approve payment of $1,851.33 to L & W Emergency Equipment for new running boards and LED lights for an officer vehicle. Chief Franks said L & W will donate the old running boards to an agency in need and returned the outfitted vehicle at no charge.

Votes at a glance: MO 2025-001 (accept Buc-ee's Way) — approved 5-0; Officer Wesley Hicks pay increase — approved 5-0; City Clerk Alice Elkins pay increase — approved 5-0; L & W Emergency Equipment invoice ($1,851.33) — approved 5-0; purchase of up to 12 loads of gravel — approved 5-0.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor David Stiffey at 6:59 p.m. and adjourned at 8:35 p.m.