The Quitman City Council approved an amendment to the personnel policy and procedures manual along with making four appointments to the Quitman Development Corporation (QDC) in a fast moving 10 minute meeting last Thursday night at city hall.

In the personnel policy it was amended that lunch and break times were to be taken away from the work area. "Most of the departments do it (take breaks) as their work schedule allows and it is a time to rest and re-charge your batteries. Here at city hall we like for our employees to get up and get away from their desks for a little while. Of course, we know sometimes the work load does not allow it," Mayor J.R. Evans explained.

The resolution includes Section 43, concerning the use of city owned property and email/internet use policy. The policy states: a) the utmost care shall always be exercised in using City of Quitman property to minimize damage to equipment or waste of supplies. Intentional or negligent damage of city-owned equipment will be grounds for dismissal; b) city property and equipment shall be used for city business and public purposes only; and (c) it is the policy of the city to provide communications equipment and services to promote the efficient conduct of its business.

The council approved Kevan Burroughs, Randy Dunn, J.R. Evans and Martha Scroggins to serve on the QDC with their terms set to expire September 30, 2017.

The council approved a resolution to approve an inter local cooperation agreement with the Wood County Assessor/Collector for tax collection related services at a cost to the city of $2,488.

The council approved the consent agenda which included previous minutes; September financial report; September budget report, September departmental reports; and the Wood County Industrial Commission report.

In the mayor's report, Evans gave an update of several things going on in the city. "True Value Hardware is moving right along. They are going to open November 9. This will be a soft opening and they will have a grand opening several months later. November 7 will be our veteran's parade in town at 10 a.m. that will end up over at the park (Jim Hogg City Park). There will be several vendors and activities at the park that day," Evans said. "Mark your calendars for 6 p.m., December 5, for our lighted Christmas parade once again terminating at Jim Hogg Park. Also, the chamber's candy walk is next Friday, October 30. Those vendors and organizations who do not have a store front will have a place. We will mark off the north side of the square to set up a table or a tent to give out candy."