City looking at ordinances, policies

Jacksboro city officials continue to look at internal controls.

City Manager Mike Smith said the city is continuing to streamline who prints the checks and who is able to sign checks. Who counts the cash register after every day and who takes it to the bank. It’s more of who has responsibility what,” Smith said. “We have several folks checking time sheets every two week basis. We’re just trying to make the process better.”

Aldermen voted to implement the policy.

Staff are also looking at changes in some ordinances. The curfew ordinance was fine but Aldermen Melanie Belcher had some ideas on things to change, which are being looked at.

Staff are also looking at changes to some fees including animal control fees, sewer and water as well as Activity Center costs. Smith said Center costs are being built up as reserves so work can be done on some things out there. Sewer and water tap fees are being considered for tap fees as well.

Public hearings on both teams are scheduled for Dec. 14, 2020 and Jan. 11, 2021.

Changes will also be posted on the city’s Facebook page., Smith said.

In its investment policy, staff saw no changes but Belcher said to look for a local financial planner on what could be invested. Smith said there’s a state limit to what all financial planners can do for cities, but would be happy to see what a planner could do for the city.

Smith gave an update on COVID as well. The city had 10 active cases as of Sunday. A group of city, county, hospital officials meets monthly to get an update. This month has seen an uptick in cases, which has caused one school in the county to quarantine.

The group discussed how to distribute the vaccine once it does arrive

Aldermen also approved changes to the Jacksboro Economic Development Board. Two members, Tony Thomas and Lisa Perry, rotated off the board for time served. They were replaced by Starla Sanders and Lori McBrayer.

Two other members whose terms were up were reappointed in Bryan Bumpas and Dr. Peter Armstrong.