By unanimous vote at Monday’s council, the Alba City Council hired Jenna Trussell as the part-time city hall administrative assistant.

The Alba-Golden High School graduate, and Golden resident, began her duties Tuesday and will be an understudy to city secretary Lindy McCarty. 

In other action, the board accepted the 2022 financial audit which was conducted by Wolf and Henderson, P.C. of Texarkana. Kelly Birdwell represented the firm and briefed the board on the comprehensive results.

Birdwell noted that the city is maintaining a two-month reserve of cash on hand, which was described as the requisite amount a city of Alba’s size should have.   

The audit disclosed a total fund balance of $356,000 from which the assigned outlays of cash for library support, the volunteer fire department and court security would be drawn. 

A discussion of water rates ensued during which the board agreed to consider hiring a firm to conduct a water rate study. According to water manager Paul Kelbe, the recent installation of new water meters should have a telling effect on future water department budget considerations. “We expect 99% accuracy rates with the new meters,” Kelbe noted. 

During the ensuing budget workshop, Alba Police Chief Juan Ramirez reported that he will be budgeting for improvements to the evidence collection room. Also discussed were options for adding a full-time police officer.