Adult video store prohibited in Ila

Their worries turned out to be unfounded though, as city council members proceeded to pass an ordinance prohibiting such establishments within the city limits. As no formal request for a business license had been received for the video store prior to Monday night, the ordinance would now prohibit such an establishment from operating, according to city attorney Pat Graham.

In other matters, the council agreed to move September’s council meeting from Monday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day) to Monday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. The council will hold a budget hearing at 6:45 p.m. just prior to the council meeting.

At a budget work session following the meeting, the council discussed planned garbage and water rate increases for 2012. City clerk Susan Steed said the increases are necessary to offset expenses, such as a $20,000 annual payment for the GEFA water system loan, and to avoid having to raise tax rates.

Water rates are expected to increase from $18 base rate per customer to $20 per customer. Steed said this would provide approximately $3,840 in additional revenue for the year. Monthly garbage rates are expected to increase from $13.65 to $14.50 per month. Steed said the city currently pays $14.27 per customer to Waste Pro for garbage services, and that rate will increase to $14.61 for 2012.

No salary increases are planned for the mayor, council or the city clerk, Steed said.

The council heard from attorney Graham that county election superintendent Cody Cross has been approved by the county to supervise the city’s general election in November. Graham will now contact the state justice department for approval of the measure.

Steed noted that the city’s weather warning sirens are not responding to the county’s warning system signals. She said the county is aware of the issue and that contractor Marc Perry is working to find out what the problem is.