Although scheduled for a holiday, the regular meeting of the Lometa City Council went on as planned Labor Day evening.

The council discussed its options for the hiring of a new certified public accountant then OK'd the hiring of Charity Taber of Burnet as its CPA.

Also approved by the council was a new budget for the fiscal year 2008-09.

Council members voted to allow the city to sell municipal property, including an F3000 tractor, as well as a Singer sewing machine and GPX karaoke machine.

In other business, an ordinance was accepted that changes the title of city marshal to chief of police. In addition, the ordinance spells out responsibilities for the position, including administrative duties, traffic enforcement and ordinance enforcement. Also included in the ordinance was the employment of a reserve officer whose primary duty is to serve as a school resource officer.

A resolution accepting an Atmos Energy agreement on rate increases for residential gas rates also was approved.

After adjourning into executive session to address a personnel item, the council returned to open session and approved a raise for City Secretary Michelle Schueneman. She will be paid $10 per hour.

In open forum, the council heard concerns about the limited parking space available on Main Street. Local business owner Judy Hall made queries regarding the legality of designating parking spaces for individual businesses.

Mayor Pro Tem Doug Brister said he will look into the matter.

"I can find out if it is legal for you to do that," he said. "It has been discussed in council before. That is all classified as public parking, but I don't know if you can designate one parking spot for that business or this business.

"I can't answer that, but I can find out and let you know."