Alabaster city employees will receive a 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment and entry-level police and fire personnel will see an adjustment to their salaries this January.

In addition, the Alabaster Park & Recreation Board has been disbanded and new Alabaster Sports Council created.

The Alabaster City Council took the actions Monday night.

According to Councilmember Jim McClain, the unanimously approved 2004-2005 budget includes $17,894,389 in projected revenues and $17,745,674 in projected expenses for a positive overage of $148,715.

McClain said the budget includes a 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for all classified employees and that adjustments to entry level police and fire personnel salaries will come from a reserve fund of about $230,000. However, it was pointed out that the council hopes not to have to touch the reserve but can pay those adjustments from other unbudgeted income.

According to Mayor David Frings the budget also provides for two additional public works laborers, two buildings and land maintenance laborers and six new firefighters.

McClain said the adjustment to fire and police personnel entry-level salaries will take place on Jan. 1.

The new Sports Council will include five members, three appointed by the City Council to serve staggered terms as well as two permanent members including the Park and Recreation Director and Recreation Superintendent.

The council will advise the Park and Recreation Department on sports related issues and act as a representative voice for the city of Alabaster.

In other matters the council:

*Approved a rezoning request for .91 acres from municipal reserve to B-3 community business for Rick Nail with LBYD Inc. The property is located across from Whitestone at Kent Dairy Road and Highway 119. It is proposed for a bank site at this time.

*Approved a rezoning request for 42.2 acres from agricultural to institutional for Westwood Baptist Church for new church constructions. The property is located behind the Colonial shopping center and abuts the Weatherly subdivision.

*Approved an annexation request at 121 Forest Parkway for Bruce and Tonya Hunt.

*Received committee assignments by Council President Rick Walters including:

Park & recreation: Chairman Bob Hicks, Adam Moseley and Jim McClain.

Finance Committee: Chairman Rick Walters, Jim McClain and Adam Moseley.

Public Safety Committee: Chairman Jim McClain, Adam Moseley and Bob Hicks.

Public Works Committee: Chairman Mike Sherwood, Bob Hicks and Jerry Workman.

Business & Economic Development Committee: Chairman Jim McClain, Adam Moseley, Tommy Ryals, Mayor David Frings and Economic Development Director Cam Ward.

Sewer Committee, Chairman Tommy Ryals, Rick Walters and Jerry Workman.

Library Committee: Chairman Jerry Workman, Bob Hicks and Rick Walters.

Public Relations Committee: Chairman Adam Moseley, Rick Walters and Mike Sherwood.

Building & Architectural Review Committee: Chairman Tommy Ryals, Adam Moseley and Mike Sherwood.

Planning & Zoning Committee Liaison: Tommy Ryals.

*Approved resolutions naming Joseph E. Walton as municipal judge and John Medaris as prosecuting attorney.

*Appointed Regions Bank as the depository for the city.

*Approved the bid of True Green in Alexander City for law care services to include landscaping at a cost of $75,062.

*Approved a holiday schedule including a floating holiday.

*Approved a paying bid from Chilton Asphalt & Paving at a cost of $238,774.70 for 23 streets and avenues.

*Set a public hearing for Nov. 1 for the annexation of lots 7,7A,8 and 9 of Maxwell’s Addition to Elliottsville for Mary Emma Snell Caudle.

*Announced a work session for Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.

*Announced the dedication of Heroes Park Monday from 5-7 p.m