In discussions at last week’s regular Alba city council meeting, it was revealed the budget will contain funding for a new police car, a police cruiser video system, a tractor, a newly-created part time maintenance worker position, and the contracting of an ordinance codification firm.

Relatedly, council unanimously approved a slight increase in the tax rate. The current tax rate of $1.018/$100 value will be increased to $1.0269/$100 value.

Council had discussed the possible hiring of an ordinance codification service for several months. Initial discussions addressed conducting internal reviews of city ordinances, and amending them as necessary. With the new budget also in discussion, council approved by unanimous vote the hiring of a firm to conduct the ordinance maintenance and to include these costs into the 2018-2019 budget.

During citizen comments, resident Ted Levitt challenged the council to uphold the present ordinances in force before committing to making more. He stated, “Why spend money on new ordinances when we don’t enforce the ones we have?”

The newly created year-round part time maintenance job will be a $10/hour position hired for a 24 hour work week. This position will replace the annual part time summer help previously used by Alba. The part time employee will be contracted in such a way as to allow the water and maintenance department maximum flexibility in seasonal work hours.

Present at the council meeting were Mayor Sonny Hass and Council Members Marja Heinert, Larry Harris, Larry Jones, and Tammy Kirkpatrick. Council member Robert Kraemer was absent due to a family obligation.