WESSON — After reviewing the 2000-2001 town budget for the lasttwo weeks, the mayor and board of alderman found it feasible toinclude a salary increase for the town’s law enforcementofficers.

“They (aldermen) put a five percent increase in the budget forthe police beginning Jan. 1, 2001,” said Mayor David McGee.

The mayor also mentioned that the increase, however, will dependon a review of the police department planned before January.

“It’s not an automatic raise,” said McGee of the budgetedincrease.

The expenditures for the general fund budget total $307,373,with a revenue total of $309,100.

“The way I’ve got it projected, we’ll have a $3,000 deficit inthe general fund, but that can change,” said McGee, mentioning thepossibility of an increase in revenue through more sales generatedin the town.

The 1999-2000 fiscal year ended with a $25,000 surplus, addedMcGee.

Other changes in the budget include distribution of insurancepayments.

“We changed the way that we distributed among the differentdepartments,” said Town Clerk Linda Dykes. “In the past, insurancewas paid in the general fund.”

The budget was approved unanimously by the board.

A bid for the lease of two water wells was also accepted duringthe budget hearing Monday.

The bid from First Environment was for a 10-year lease at$12,000, and was accepted by the board, said McGee.

First Environment plans to use the wells to increase water flowduring the companies clean up of water contaminated by PotterCompany.

“That should speed up the clean up for the ground water,” saidMcGee.

The next town board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Oct. 3, atthe town hall.