Wartrace Board of Mayor and Alderman agreed to once again sponsor the stakes class in the Wartrace Horse Show this year for $1,000.

"They've been struggling a little bit because of the situation in the horse industry," said Mayor Don Gallagher at the Tuesday meeting, referring to the 2006 walking horse season, when many horses failed to pass inspections.

There was no World Grand Champion named that year at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.

Attendance of both exhibitors and visitors have dropped in shows since then, according to Gallagher. He said sponsoring the stakes class was a strong show of support from the town that calls itself "The Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse."

"It is such an important part of our heritage," Gallagher said.

He asked members of the board to be there if possible when the trophy was presented. The stakes class is the last of the evening.

In other action, the board discussed that there has been no replacement named yet for Roy Ferguson Jr., who retired last month as the town's volunteer fire chief after 32 years.

"There are at least three interested," said Gallagher. "All are very good and qualified."

Gallagher suggested calling in the candidates for interviews.

"Each should have your full consideration," he said, adding that the position is volunteer.

One reason the chief has not been replaced yet has been a time issue, the mayor said. The MusicFest and water issues have kept the board very busy, which is why the new budget is not yet complete. A resolution was passed to extend this year's fiscal budget until the next one is approved.

"I hate to do that," said Gallagher. "This is the second year we've had to do it. There's been so much going on."

On the plus side, he said, "I think the music festival was a success. We broke even. It was a really nice event and was well-attended."

The board also approved a request to bid out wheelchair ramps at the rest rooms in the city park.