DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne City Council at its business meeting Monday voted unanimously to contribute $500 to the Daphne High PTSO as it campaigns to raise approximately $6,000 necessary to purchase security cameras for the school’s fine-arts center.

Construction on the facility recently ended after plans were suspended; the Baldwin County Board of Education faces a $75 million deficit and has put a moratorium on new construction.

During public participation, Kevin Spriggs, owner of the Malbis Shell station and the Eastern Shore Motel, committed to match any contribution the city offered.

“We are appreciative of any consideration in doing the project we have to install cameras in the fine-arts center,” a PTSO spokesperson said. “We are trying as a PTSO to raise the money to purchase cameras for that complex.

The spokesperson said the center houses a vast array of video and audio equipment and the school would feel safer it could monitor the premises.

The estimated $6,000 project total includes eight cameras to be installed in various locations around the facility.

In other business, the council:

“I wish we could give more,” Councilman Ron Scott said, “but times are tough.”

Adoption of the ordinance required suspending the rules since it was a first-read. The city traditionally keeps an ordinance on the agenda for two meetings to allow city officials and the public ample time to consider the item.

A planning department spokesperson said the ordinance extends the moratorium, which was already in place, four months to afford the city time to finish drafting its amended land use ordinance.

The department expects the land use ordinance to be ready for adoption in early February.

The application includes an appropriation from the city not to exceed $2,000 that will cover the cost of performing a property appraisal and securing an elevation certificate.

The rules were suspended to allow the council to vote on the first-read ordinance.

According to the ordinance, the city’s financial position as of Feb. 28, 2010 will be reviewed and compared to recent fiscal years to determine if the city is “in line” with expected totals.

The review will include a comparison of actual year-to-date revenues from sales and use taxes, ad valorem taxes and business licenses.

If the assessment finds the city to be vulnerable or encounters “a deepening economic down-turn,” the council will request Mayor Fred Small to provide an amended budget for consideration.

“It makes sure we will address the issues when the time comes,” Councilman Derek Boulware said. “It’s a plan ‘b.’ It’s a safety net and it’s important to the city.”

Scott said that if a city employee works for 25 years but retires before an eligible age for Medicare, the city will pay their benefits until the employee is eligible.