A grant writer will be pursuing monies for the McKenzie Police Department.

Police Chief Clint Reaves brought the proposal before the town council Monday night.

“We have gotten grants in the past that have helped us with equipment, supplies, cars and for COPS and a school resource officer,” Reaves said.

“If we could obtain a grant that would cover my salary and benefits for three years, then the town wouldn’t be burdened with that amount. The town could be reimbursed.”

While town employees had written their own grants in the past, Reaves said the many changes in grant writing required someone with more up-to-date knowledge.

Terry Hill, a recent Auburn graduate with a degree in Public Administration, agreed to take on the grant writing project for the town. As payment, Hill will receive a maximum of one percent of the grant total if it her application is successful; for example, $400 for a $40,000 grant.

Hill said she would make a thorough presentation to the town council once the grant was written and “break it all down.”

It was agreed all town council members would be able to look over the grant proposal and give it their stamp of approval before any paperwork was submitted.

Reaves suggested monies raised through traffic tickets be put aside to pay the matching amount the Town of McKenzie would be required to pay in the fourth year.

“She may very well be able to find grants to help the town in other ways besides police grants. I think this could be really good for the town as a whole,” Reaves said.

In other town business:

It was announced McKenzie’s official trick-or-treat time would be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for ages 12 and under only, on Friday, Oct. 30. The Christmas parade is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The council is looking for choirs and groups who would like to share their musical talents during the event.