Colbert finished ’08 in the black

The city started the year with $156,319 and finished with $160,797, leaving a $4,478 surplus.

Colbert maintained a reserve despite undertaking roofing projects at the old Colbert school building ($42,000) and city hall (around $7,000). It also spent $13,000 on sidewalks.

“We did OK,” Colbert mayor John Waggoner said.

In an unrelated matter, the council discussed potential use, if any, of a county engineer. The Madison County Industrial and Development Authority has agreed to an intergovernmental agreement with the county for the services of an engineer if one is hired.

City attorney Dale Perry said Colbert could also arrange for those services, but said he thinks a county engineer would have the county’s interests primarily in mind.

“I really think we have an interest in having our own engineer,” Perry said.

Colbert’s meeting was an information-only gathering.

With just three members present, including the mayor, the council fell short of a quorum.

That prevented members from taking any action — including a motion to adjourn.

THREE QUALIFY FOR VACANT COUNCIL SEAT

The city announced that Dennis Moon, Evelyn Patton Power and Ellyn Trinrud have qualified as candidates to fill the seat of former councilman Jeff Roberts, who resigned in October.

The election is March 17. The voter registration deadline is Feb. 17.