A proposal to increase oversight of police department staffing expenses drew opposition from Alba Police Chief Juan Ramirez and Councilwoman Debi Shaddox during the Alba City Council meeting Monday, Oct. 5. The proposal died for lack of a second.
Councilwoman Dena Johnson proposed amending the city’s employee handbook to require council approval before scheduling or paying reserve officers for hours that would exceed the department’s approved budget.
Johnson said the measure was intended to prevent overspending and allow the council to approve budget amendments before additional funds were committed.
Ramirez questioned how the requirement would work if an officer became sick or had a family emergency and another officer was needed to cover a shift.
“That’s not how it works in law enforcement. I’m sorry,” Ramirez said.
Shaddox agreed, arguing that the proposal would interfere with the chief’s authority to manage staffing and maintain police coverage.
“It’s basically nitpicking his authority in his department to get his shifts covered, and to make sure that our city is covered,” Shaddox said.
Johnson disagreed, saying her intent was to keep department spending within the approved budget.
Other council members questioned whether the restrictions would require advance approval for emergency staffing. They also noted that existing personnel policies already address departmental authority.
Johnson maintained that the proposal was intended to control spending, not interfere with daily police operations.
When the mayor called for a second to Johnson’s motion, none was offered, and the motion died without a vote.
Earlier in the meeting, the council considered a related proposal from Johnson requiring monthly reports detailing police department overtime, compensatory time and staffing schedules.
Ramirez explained that officers’ compensatory time is already recorded on timesheets and that he approves employee time. He also noted that limiting staffing funds could leave the city with reduced police coverage when officers take leave.
The council approved the reporting requirement, with Shaddox abstaining. Ramirez agreed to provide employee schedules for the council reports.

DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL USE
The council unanimously approved a motion to revise the city’s zoning ordinance to allow residential living quarters in the central business district.
The discussion followed a request concerning the former Hastings grocery building at 189 S. Broadway, which includes an area previously renovated for residential use.
Council members learned that the current ordinance prohibits apartments in the district and that a variance could not be granted for a prohibited use.
Rather than grant a variance, the council directed that the ordinance be rewritten to allow residential living quarters.

WATER RATES AND
CITY SERVICES
The council approved changes to bulk water regulations intended to prevent contractors from obtaining city water for use elsewhere without proper authorization.
The changes establish procedures for obtaining and using water meters, along with updated charges. Public Works Director Shawn Newland said the regulations would also help prevent damage to city equipment.
Council members also approved ordinance changes allowing the city to recover additional expenses for water and sewer taps requiring road bores, deep excavation or pavement repairs.
In other business, the council adopted the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, replacing an outdated version.
The council postponed hiring a contract code enforcement officer until November to allow the city attorney to revise the proposed agreement.
Members also authorized moving forward with a proposed GovCard online payment system, pending further contract review. The system would allow residents to pay utility bills and municipal court charges online.

SCHOOL WASTEWATER
AGREEMENT
The council directed city officials to update the wastewater service agreement with Alba-Golden ISD and present it to the school board for consideration.
Officials said the district currently pays approximately $9,000 annually, but questions remain about wastewater volume, the age of the agreement and whether a signed contract exists.
The council plans to revisit the matter in November.
Council members also authorized work on revisions to the city’s animal control ordinance, including provisions recognizing electronic containment systems for dogs.