SUMMERVILLE — Revenues are down, but the Summerville City Council found more than $50,000 for approximately 38 employee raises this year.

One of the largest increases went to the police chief — to $31.42 an hour from $29.45 — but City Manager Russell Thompson said Stan Mosley took on additional duties, becoming the public safety director over both police and fire.

Sluggish natural gas sales created about a $77,000 projected shortfall in revenue. The city’s largest gas customer, Mohawk Inc., has purchased 25 percent less this year, Thompson said, and the warm winter has led to lower residential sales.

The City Council decided to dip into its $1.8 million reserve to give the raises.

In other action, the Council also is working with a group of chicken growers who want natural gas service. In return for a guaranteed purchase agreement, the city plans to borrow money to extend lines to their chicken houses.

It will take about 12 to 14 years to recover the capital investment but officials said adding one chicken house to the system is comparable to adding 50 residential customers.

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