LOXLEY, Alabama — Loxley has become the latest municipality to jump on the Point Broadband wagon, agreeing to a 10-year right of entry agreement contract with the new internet service provider at its meeting May 8.

Point Broadband representative Sherry Sullivan told council members at the regular monthly meeting that the contract would include placing equipment on two towers, one of Alabama 59 and the other on U.S. 90.

According to the terms of the contract, Point Broadband agreed to pay the town $1 per subscriber during the prior month of operation. The fee will be no less than $100 and no more than $300, with an additional $50 per month for electricity used for the equipment.

In April, Todd Holt, CEO of Point Broadband and ITC Holdings, told Gulf Coast Media that the company is expecting to access about 25 towers in Baldwin County over the next four weeks.

In addition to Loxley, Holt said they are looking at Bay Minette, Fairhope, Daphne, Robertsdale, Summerdale, Silverhill and Elberta. Summerdale also approved a contract with Point Broadband at its meeting May 8.

Holt said the company had a mid-June timeframe for launching service and signing up customers.

In other business May 8, the town council voted to grant a 3 percent cost of living raise for town employees.

Loxley Mayor Billy Middleton said it had been a couple of years since the town has been able to give a cost of living raise for employees and recommended that the town grant a 2.5 percent increase, which is the standard pay grade increase for employees.

Council member Katherine Breeden asked if the town could increase the pay hike to 3 percent. After some discussion Breeden made the motion, which was seconded by council member Richard Teal and voted unanimously by the council. Jeff Knight was not present for the meeting.

Also at the May 8 meeting, the council:

•Approved an agreement between the town and Marks Furniture to locate a regional distribution center in Loxley.

•Donated $200 to the Robertsdale High School Future Business Leaders of America to send students to National competition in Anaheim, California in June.

•Approved a mutual assistance agreement with the Baldwin County Commission to provide and receive mutual aid as a result of disasters.

•Approved an ordinance declaring July 21-23 a sales tax holiday for the purchase of back-to-school supplies.

•Approved an ordinance amending the building permit fee schedule.

•Approved a resolution authorizing Regions Bank to provide account, products and services.

•Purchased an ad in the 2017 Robertsdale High School Football Program benefitting the RHS cheerleaders.

•Approved a contract with Jerdan Services for herbicide application and vegetation management.

•Purchased a 1,000-foot, 5-inch hose for the fire department.

•Purchased video surveillance equipment for the police department.

•Purchased equipment for restriping roads for the utilities department.

•Purchased mowers, RTVs and cutters for the utilities department.