The city of Alba got some good news on its planned project to paint the interior of the ground storage tank.

The city council learned last month that the project is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to address interior corrosion and will cost $27,600, money that was not budgeted.

Upon hearing of the city’s situation, the Sabine River Authority (SRA) reached out to the city and informed officials that Alba had not applied for one of the SRA grants in many years and was eligible.

The $20,000 grant will pay almost three-fourths of the cost of the project.

The council was introduced to attorney Leigh Thompson of Sulphur Springs who will be taking over the city attorney duties from Jim McLeroy when he retires.

One of her first duties will be to represent the city in a traffic case set to go to trial in December. It will be the city’s first jury trial since 2011.

Jury summonses will be going out this week.

The council appointed Janae Holland, who also serves as justice of the peace for Precinct Two, to serve as associate municipal judge.

The council learned that all the bids have not been received for the city hall painting project.

Police Chief Juan Ramirez reported he has received two applications for the vacant police officer position.