Calera Police Capt. Clint Barnett was appointed deputy chief by the Calera City Council during its regular meeting Feb. 16.

The appointment was effective immediately.

Barnett, who joined the force in 1993 as a dispatcher, has also served as an officer, sergeant and investigative sergeant, said Police Chief Sean Lemley. Bailey was promoted to captain in 2007.

The police department recently eliminated two captain’s positions to create Barnett’s new position. The department also eliminated a sergeant’s position to create an officer’s position. The personnel changes, a response to the city’s budget constraints, saved the department about $21,000, Lemley said.

In other news:

The council unanimously voted to create a driving school for drivers who are ticketed in Calera and are court-ordered to attend a driving course. Police Chief Sean Lemley said two Calera police officers will teach the monthly course. Both officers are certified instructors through the National Safety Council. Lemley hopes to open the school in March.

The council agreed to hold monthly work sessions to review financial reports. Since the firing of Calera Finance Director Mike Hinson, City Clerk Linda Steele, Assistant City Clerk Connie Payton and Magistrate Vickie Lewis are temporarily overseeing city finances. The meetings will be held at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month beginning in March.