Ehrhardt Town Council members gave first reading approval in title only to a fiscal year 2011-2012 general fund budget of $325,435 that included no millage increase for tax payers and no cost of living increase for town employees.

Ehrhardt Mayor Bill Stanley noted council members may want to “take a look” at making some adjustments in the budget before a final reading is held, since it has been at least three years since town employees have received a raise.

Council members also agreed the town needed to look at making an increase in water rates. As to a cost of living increase for town employees, Mayor Stanley asked Town Administrator Kathie Stroman to look into what a 2% to 5% pay increase would cost the town.

Also during the meeting:

• Ehrhardt Chief of Public Safety Chad Dilling reported the fire department responded to four fire calls during the month including: one structure fire, fire alarm, assist EMS in establishing a landing zone and a tree removal due to storm damage. He reported the police department had a “pretty busy” month creating the following case files: two domestic calls, possession of marijuana, a gas drive off, DUS, larceny, child custody dispute, disorderly conduct, prowler, hit and run and theft of a vehicle.

• Public Works Commissioner Freddie Copeland reported water department collections of $12,276.42 for the month of May and $12,589.30 for the month of June. Service to 8-10 customers was cutoff in the months of May and June.

• Council members approved the hiring of Alvin Jeffcoat as the town’s new waste water treatment plant manager effective July 1, at a cost of $800 per month.