After a lengthy closed-door executive session Tuesday that involved loud music played at the boardroom door to discourage eavesdropping, the Brookhaven Board of Aldermen approved seven promotions in the city’s police department.

Five promotions, with accompanying salary increases, were approved as presented to the Board. They were:

• Stoney Walker, from uncertified to Certified Patrolman, with salary increase from $33,750 to $37,000, effective Dec. 8, 2022.

• Kevin Thompson, from Master Sergeant to Lieutenant, with salary increase from $50,750 to $53,750, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

• Michael Norris, from Lieutenant to Captain, with salary increase from $53,750 to $56,000, effective Jan. 1.

• Bobby Hathorn, from Corporal to Sergeant, with salary increase from $45,750 to $47,750, effective Jan. 1.

• Penelope Banks, from Lieutenant of Detectives to Captain of Detectives, with salary increase from $53,750 to $56,000, effective Jan. 1.

Two were approved with alterations. Vincent Fernando was promoted from Sergeant of Detectives to Investigator 4, rather than Master Sergeant of Detectives.

Sgt. Jonathan Hart was promoted to Investigator 1, rather than Master Sergeant. The suggested salary increase from $47,500 to $50,750 was not approved. The vote was 5-0 on Hart, with Ward 5 Alderman Fletcher Grice abstaining. The vote for every other promotion was 6-0. Ward 6 Alderman Andre’ Spiller was not present.

In other business, the board:

• Awarded the off-road diesel bid to James A. Case at $3.59.9 per gallon.

• Approved December 2022 salaried payrolls and transfer of funds to cover.

• Approved the final resolution for up to a 10-year ad valorem tax exemption for Rex Lumber Brookhaven LLC for improvements made in 2021, after having been approved by the State of Mississippi. The board approved the original resolution in May 2022.

• Approved salary increases for:

o City Prosecutor, from $17,953.92 to $24,000

o City Defender, from $16,628.40 to $24,000

o City Judge, from $27,872.64 to $30,000

o Mayor, from $73,150.08 to $81,000