SILVERHILL, Alabama — The town of Silverhill approved $12,000 in additional funds while adding two more streets as a major resurfacing project in the town is nearing completion.

In January of 2020, the town received word that it had been awarded a $250,000 Alabama Department of Transportation Rebuild Alabama Grant. The $250,000 grant application included resurfacing projects on First, Second, Third, Fourth, Seventh and Ninth Streets, and South Avenue. It also allowed for the widening of some of the streets.

In November, the council approved a bid from Asphalt Services for the resurfacing project that was  $15,000 under budget for the project, said Mayor Jared Lyles, so at its meeting on Monday, March 1, the council voted to add a portion of Second Avenue from County Road 55 to Second Street, to the project.

Lyles said the town also has additional funds earmarked for road repairs voting to also add North Avenue from County Road 55 to First Street to the project.

At the June 21 council meeting, Lyles said an additional $10,000 was donated to complete the paving of one of the streets. Alan Killen with Civil Southeast told council members at the meeting that an additional $12,000 was needed to complete the project, bringing the total project cost to $272,000.

Two additional areas were added, a portion of Second Avenue between Second Street and First Street and Fourth Avenue running from Seventh Street to west of Fourth Street.

“Overall, this has been a really good project for the town,” Killen said.

The council also discussed options for the placement of a water tower on property purchased by the town.

In February the council approved a resolution to purchase 7.23 acres of property located west of Silverhill. In December of 2019, council members discussed the possibility of using part of the property for a water tower.

In March of 2020, the council agreed to move forward with a contract to purchase the property. Lyles said the town had submitted the agreement to the property owners, who had one issue in regard to financing the property. Council members agreed to accept the changes and proceed forward with the purchase.

At the June 21 meeting, Killen discussed options to purchase a water tower for the property, including a USDA loan or a straight bank loan.

“This is not something that is going to happen today or tomorrow,” Lyles said, “but it is something that will need to be addressed sooner, rather than later.”

Also on June 21, the council:

• Renewed a CD for the library at a cost of $13,584.
• Approved a quote for painting the library at a cost of $4,700.
• Approved a 6 percent raise for town employees.
• Approved a request to place signs in town for the Mother Daughter Market, a local business located on Sedlack Road.
• Approved the purchase of 100 garbage cans for the Utilities Department.
• Moved the July 5 council meeting to July 6 because town offices will be closed for the Independence Day holiday.
• Approved the purchase of radar equipment and laptop computers for the police department.