With no old business on its agenda, Lometa City Council on Monday evening turned its attention to new business and future endeavors.

First on the agenda was approval of the Lometa Lions Club’s use of Lometa Regional Park for its annual Diamondback Jubilee.

Slated for March 27, the event plays host to thousands of visitors, as it entertains its patrons with a variety of vendors and the customary rattlesnake venue.

In a move designed to serve Lometa citizens better, the council authorized Western Union service at City Hall. Funds generated by the new service will be kept in a separate account, to differentiate the undertaking from the city’s general fund. Such an arrangement also will allow Lometa residents to pay Atmos Energy bills and numerous other business accounts at City Hall.

The new service will be a positive move for residents and the city, Councilman Donnie Bell said.

“We’re trying to make it pos- sible for citizens to come in and pay all of their bills at City Hall,” he said. “It’s a good way to utilize our employees, and I would like us to establish enough business coming through that it will pay to put Megan Sisney on salary full time.”

Ms. Sisney now is a part-time employee for the city of Lometa.

Hamilton County Electric Cooperative pays the city a $300-amonth fee for handling payments, Bell added. Broadband service is estimated to bring $500 per month in payment fees into city coffers.

“It would be a convenience to the public,” Lometa Mayor Cynthia Kirby said. “People want to be able to pay their bills here.”

In open forum, Lometa resident Ben Leggett asked the council to consider stricter enforcement of ordinances that regulate the demolition of abandoned buildings and impoundment of abandoned vehicles on private property.

“I would like to see the property auctioned on the courthouse steps and the money go to the city,” Leggett said.

He also voiced concerns about enforcement of a noise ordinance within city limits.