By Jason C. Mattox

Organizers of a proposed farmers market got permission from the Batesville Board of Aldermen on Tuesday to hold a weekly fresh produce market on the Downtown Square.

The first market date is Wednesday, June 30, from 3-6 p.m., according to Bobbie Jean Pounders, chairman of the committee.

Pounders was joined by Batesville Main Street Manager Colleen Clark in making the request to the Batesville mayor and aldermen.

The board gave the group permission to use the area around the wooden Municipal Pavilion on the east side of the railroad track.

Pounders explained the space was a good location because it provided good parking to customers and shade to possible vendors.

“At this point, we want to hold the market on Wednesday afternoons because a lot of the vendors from this area are already committed to weekend markets,” she said. “But we might still consider adding a weekend day in the future.”

Pounders said representatives of the market committee are recruiting vendors by attending other farmers markets in the area.

“As we are just getting started, we do not plan to charge the vendors to come,” she said. “We need to get them here and show them that this market can grow. This is a great location.

“At this point we are going to have volunteers helping us run it, but if the market grows, we might consider hiring a market manager,” Pounders added.

Aldermen unanimously approved the request.

In other board business:

•A conditional use permit for Dixie Fireworks on Highway 6 East to allow temporary sales.

•Aldermen are getting quotes for the repair of stained glass windows in the Little Church on Panola Avenue. The building is owned by the city.

•Batesville Police officers Lt. Robert Ales and Lt. George Williford were given permission to attend the First Line Supervisor Level I and II courses Aug. 16-19 and Aug. 30- Sept. 2 in Pearl with expenses paid by the city.

•Aldermen approved an increase of $600 in the rent to American Legion Park.