asst. to editor

Altus City Council recognized three city employees for their hard work and dedication during its regular meeting on Tuesday night.

City Water Maintenance employee Steve Perry has been honored as the City Employee of the Year for 2007, the second time during his 25 year career.

Perry received a $250 check, a day off with pay, dinner for two at an Altus restaurant of his choice and a personal plaque.

Gary Friese and Edward Gloria both received a $100 check for being honored as the City Department Head of the Year and City Employee of the Quarter for Oct-Dec., 2007, respectively, in addition to a day off with pay, dinner for two at an Altus restaurant of his choice.

Friese, who began his career with the City of Altus as a mechanic back in 1981, serves as the City Fleet Maintenance Director.

Gloria works with the City Parks and Recreation Department, heading the sprinkler program.

After a review of the City's audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, and a presentation of the financial report by city finance director Joe Don Dunham, the board unanimously approved all items on the agenda for the night.

The City Council voted yes to issues such as approving the final plat for Falcon Terrace which has been recommended for commercial development, as well as authorizing the purchase of 25 50-KVA electrical transformers that will be used to serve GMH housing, the company that holds the Altus Air Force Base housing contract.

City Administrator Mike Nettles revealed that CenterPoint Energy recognized underpayment of its franchise fees to the City of Altus for the period of 1999 to 2003.

Recalculation shows that the company owes the City $100,078.22.

A check for the payment will be issued sometime in mid-February.