DECATUR - Decatur City Council had a light agenda for the Sept. 9 meeting. There were only two items up for discussion and approval, one dealing with water meter rates and the second with web design services for the city.

The third reading of an ordinance raising the rate for water meter deposits was the first topic of the night. Ordinance number 13-05, “An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance Number 02-03 Fixing Water Meter Deposits of the City of Decatur, Arkansas ” changes the deposit rate for water meter connections from $75 to $100.

After the reading, by title only, the city council passed the increase. The new deposit rates will go into effect on Oct. 9.

The rate increase was necessary to cover revenue the Decatur Water Department was losing when people moved into the city and then moved away within two months and without paying their water bill. The ordinance would help to protect the city against loss in such an event.

The council, in last month’s meeting, sought bids for a city website to provide potential residents and new businesses with valuable information about the city and to enhance tourist information available for the area.

A bid was submitted by RandyMoll of Gentry. Moll has constructed numerous websites, including sites for the city of Gentry and the Gentry Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Robert Tharp pulled up these websites for a quick review. Once the city council was satisfi ed with what they had seen online, they voted and approved Moll’s bid.

The next regular Decatur City Council meeting will be on Oct. 14 in the council chamber at city hall.

If Decatur residents wish to bring an item before the city council, they must submit a written request to either Mayor Charles Linam or Recorder Kim Wilkins at Decatur City Hall or call 752-3912. Residents will be allowed to make a fi ve-minute presentation to the city council.

News, Pages 1 on 09/18/2013