Caraway Mayor Barry Riley started the Thursday, Oct. 9, council meeting by reading a letter from former citizen Scott Bell praising Caraway Police Chief Pete Hicks for his professionalism.
Mayor Riley then told council members the Caraway Fire Department has received a $2,500 grant for new radios and a siren for the fire truck. He went on to say Arkansas Economics will open bids for the community center project soon.
The Caraway Police Department received notification Thursday, Oct. 9, they have received a $10,000 grant to go toward purchasing a new police vehicle. Mayor Riley told the council he is proud the city got the grant and he along with Chief Hicks will be looking into what kind of vehicle to purchase.
It was recommended by Chief Hicks that part-time police officer Shannon Kelems be hired full time. He also suggested that Kelems and officer Aaron Bupp's pay be raised.
The council went into executive session to discuss personnel. Upon returning to open session the council voted unanimously to raise Kelems pay to $28,000 and Bupp to $29,000 with the understanding neither officer would get a raise after that.
In other business the Mayor said the highway department has been delayed by rain but work on the new sidewalks on Caraway's main street should start Monday weather permitting. Before adjourning the council discussed if and what type of decorative lights would be placed on main street after the project is done. After some discussion the topic was tabled.
Caraway Harvest Fest will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and a rodeo will be held following the festival.