Early Police Chief David Mercer informed the city council that his department has received a TxDOT grant to assist with DWI enforcement. Mercer said the officer will be paid overtime and the department will then be reimbursed by the grant.

City Administrator Tony Aaron reported that residents will soon be receiving new trash carts. The plan, as of now, is for each citizen to have the new carts by mid-January. Aaron said a cleanup is being planned for the future in order for citizens to turn in their old receptacles. Later in the meeting, Mercer administered the Oath of Honor to new police officer Kelly Marsh. Marsh is a former officer for the lake patrol.

In other business, Tony Krischke presented the council with the city’s audit report. The council approved the audit report as presented, which showed upward financial trends for the city.

In other business, Aaron provided an update on the search for a code enforcement officer/building inspector. He said nine applications were received, with the applicants to soon be interviewed by a hiring committee. One of the applicants was current council member Bennie Allcorn, who also serves as mayor pro-tem. City Attorney Mark Bessent stated if Allcorn were chosen to take the job, he could not accept the position until he has resigned his chair on the council and that position has been filled. Aaron said the hiring process would be a fair process for everyone involved. The council also reappointed Wade Kinnin to the Brown County Appraisal District Board of Directors.