The Alba-Golden ISD Education Foundation will hold its first big fundraising event Saturday, Nov. 4.

The Alba City Council gave its approval for the foundation to host a fall festival on the downtown square.

Hope Gaskill said the event will include live music, karaoke, corn hole tournament, vendors and silent auction.

The group also plans to seek a state permit to host a beer and wine garden and will provide additional security.

The new foundation has already raised almost $70,000 of its initial $150,000 goal and plans to distribute $30,000 in grants this fall.

The council also proposed a property tax rate of $.7753.

It will be considered, along with the 2023-24 budget, at a special meeting Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

City Secretary Lindy McCarty said the rate is down 13 cents from last year due to an increase in property values and a decrease in the city’s debt service needs.

The council met behind closed doors with Police Chief Juan Ramirez for 24 minutes, and upon resuming the open meeting, unanimously approved a motion in support of Ramirez’s actions following the dismissal of police officer David Tipps, who was charged with criminal offenses in Hopkins County.

He remains jailed on bonds totaling $700,000 for seven charges.

Ramirez reported some missing police equipment has been recovered, primarily working with Tipps’ father.

Ramirez said he has received no applications for the vacant officer post.