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The Valley Grande City Council  unanimously approved a Christmas holiday bonus for its employees on Monday.

The entire council was present: Mayor Wayne Labbe, councilwomen Kay Davidson, Sara Day, Jane Harris, councilmen Robbie Rose and Bruce Hughes and clerk/treasurer Kim Harris.

Full time employees will receive $500, part-timer get $250.

“These guys do a great job,” Labbe said. “I get a lot of compliments about staff.”

Bubba Holley of Parks and Recreation gave the Bubba Holley of Parks and Recreation gave the council an update on the baseball fields. Holley said that he talked with a Tuscaloosa man about three baseball fields. He said Fields 1 and 3 will need red clay for minor repairs, but Field 2 needs some work.

Holley told the council he’s scheduled for another meeting this week and will return with a cost estimate.

Holley will also meet with Ross Smitherman on putting a french drainage at the ball park.

In other council news:

-Davidson announced that the city was awarded $2,500 by the Alabama Power Gateway Program. She said that the city must show photos on how the  money was spent next year.

-Labbe said the city audit is still underway by Chris Neuenschwander of the Jackson Thornton Accounting firm.

Labbe said the audit should be completed by end of year and Neuenschwander will appear at the first council meeting of 2022.

-The council unanimously approved to retain J&M Displays for Fourth of July Fireworks. Day said the cost increased to $3,000 because of shipping. The event will likely be held on July 4.

The next Valley Grande City Council meeting will be held on Monday, December 20 at 6 p.m. at Valley Grande City Hall.