By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—With the end of March marking the halfway point in the fiscal year, the Pelham City Council briefly reviewed the city’s budget during an April 7 work session.

“We are right on target,” said Pelham Finance Director Tom Seale in a post-work session interview.

With the budget on track, the City Council is considering additional spending during the second half of the fiscal year.

Councilman Ron Scott recommended the City Council “amend the budget,” adding $20,000 to hire an additional dispatcher for the Pelham Police Department.

The additional hiring was discussed at the beginning of the fiscal year, but a decision was deferred in order to evaluate the financial feasibility and necessity of the position.

“I have no doubt that as our city continues to grow, the number of calls will continue to grow,” Scott said in justification of the hiring.

Pelham Mayor Gary Waters also requested the City Council consider additional spending to support the Gone Fishin’, Not Just Wishin’ event for special needs students sponsored by Exceptional Anglers and a July 4 public fireworks display at Oak Mountain State Park.

The City Council plans to revisit the budget in greater depth at the next meeting.