The Opp City Council on Monday approved the purchase of a spray buggy to help keep grass and weeds from growing through the city streets.

The buggy was purchased from J.R.’s Lawnmower Shop for $13,500.

Opp Mayor John Bartholomew said the sprayer will help keep the grass from growing on the streets and in the curbing.

“If we don’t do that, it breaks the asphalt,” Bartholomew said during the council’s workshop. “It will loosen up, or it grows there and the sand builds up and water can’t drain right.

“If we keep our roadways sprayed and cleaned, it would save us a lot of money in the long run,” he said. “This is not a short-term fix, this is a long-term fix to save our system and keep our city looking clean.”

Bartholomew said the buggy would help take the place of two workers going around the city and spraying.

“We only have so many men,” he said. “They’re doing everything they can to keep the weeds and everything down.”

In other business, the council:

• rejected the appointment of Aaron Hightower to the housing authority; Bartholomew nominated him.

• approved the re-appointment of Glenda Presley to the housing authority for another five-year term;

• introduced ordinance 2015-03 to repeal and replace section six of the zoning ordinance;

•  declared a 2002 Crown Victoria as surplus; and,

• approved the purchase of personal protection gear for approximately $45,000 for the Opp Fire Department.

Near the end of the meeting, Bartholomew said he received an email that said there are between 20-30 manufacturing jobs that need to be filled.

Those who are interested can call 1-888-946-9675.