asst. to editor

After a special meeting for a presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2008-2009 budget by Mike Nettles, Altus City Administrator, Tuesday, the Municipal Trust Authority unanimously approved an agreement for economic development between itself and the Altus/Southwest Economic Development Corporation.

The MTA also congruently authorized employment of financial advisor, authority counsel and bond counsel to assist in preparation of sales tax election documents and financing documents pertaining to the municipal and public school projects; and containing other provisions related thereto, and awarded a bid to Shoestring Enterprises of Olustee for assorted directional boring or trenching and to include installation of conduit, primary and secondary conductor.

During the regular city council meeting, the board approved several items including hosting a city employee/family pool party at the Altus City Pool Complex on June 13, renewing an agreement with Roger Hicks & Associates for 2008-2009 health insurance for the city and awarding a contract to Williams Electric Company for installation of PAPIs (Precision Approach Path Indicators) at Altus Quartz Mountain Regional Airport, subject to receipt of federal grant from FAA.

After hearing a report from the office of district attorney, John Wampler regarding activities and accomplishments of the Drug Task Force for the past year and approving a memorandum of agreement between the city and the district 3 task force for July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, the council approved a renewal and addendum to lease between the city and the southwest community action group for the Lincoln Center and for the use of the Seg Hove Center located at 905 N. Willard.

Rose Fischer will continue to provide public relations services for the city until June 30, 2009 and a contract for services between the city and 3rd District CASA for $4200 for funds to be used in the operation of CASA, supplies and other expenses, in providing CASA volunteers for abused juveniles in the court system.

In its last order of business before convening in executive session, the city council approved an addendum to contract for services for euthanasia services for Blair, Cache, Duke, Eldorado, Elmer, Olustee and Snyder; increasing the payment from $10 to $15.