[9/21/04]Two new police officers and one who returned after a year with the Warren County Sheriff’s Department took oaths in ceremonies Monday.

Those hired Monday were Bo McLeod, who served with the Vicksburg Police Department from 1999 until last year, and new officers Jeremy Brassard and Stephen Wright.

Monday’s action brings the number of city officers to 73, which is 14 shy of the positions available.

To become an officer, applicants go through a background check with the department’s internal affairs division and must pass written and physical exams. They must also attend a certified police academy.

Officers’ starting base pay is $26,000 but, with overtime, they can make up to $31,000.

In other matters, the city board:

Approved board meeting minutes from Aug. 25 and Aug. 27.

Received a presentation from Keep Vicksburg Warren Beautiful recognizing the employees of the city’s landscape department.

Approved the parade application for St. Aloysius High School’s homecoming parade at 4 p.m. Oct. 21 on downtown Washington Street.

Approved $4,100 for the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation for the River Kids After-school Art and Music program.

Approved cutting and cleaning overgrown lots.

Allocated $529 for the fire department’s Fire Prevention Week program for Oct. 5-10 to pay for hand out items.

Awarded the bid for new police department uniforms from MidSouth Uniform of Jackson.

Approved a $300 advertisement on River 101 radio station to thank residents for helping evacuees fleeing from Hurricane Ivan last week.

Voted 2-1 to approve a $290 advertisement with the Delta Business Journal. South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman voted against the allocation because he said the publication has limited circulation in Vicksburg.

Approved the claims docket.

Approved the employee driving list.

The City Board will meet again at 10 a.m. Friday at City Hall Annex.