On Tuesday (Oct. 19) the Clarkson City Commission received its annual audit report from Bob Ryan, an auditor in Louisville, who reported everything seems to be financially in order in Clarkson.

In going over the highlights of the report, Ryan said the net assets of the city increased $114,000.

City Attorney David Williams inquired as to how Clarkson compares with other cities and towns of similar size, but Ryan didn't have exact numbers with him to give an adequate comparison.

Members of the commission asked Ryan for any recommendations as to how the city could better control and manage its finances over the coming year.

Ryan said the commissioners should seriously consider raising rates and taxes city-wide, as a means to increase revenue and better provide services in the city.

"I recognize, however, that this can be a very hard decision for any elected official to make," Ryan said.

He said rising costs in many areas may make increased revenues something that is absolutely necessary in the future.

Commissioners also amended an ordinance that basically levels the playing field between Comcast Cable and Brandenburg Telecom.

When the city voted to give Brandenburg Telecom a franchise, Comcast Cable complained that Brandenburg was receiving "more favorable and less burdensome terms" in their franchise.

The commission voted, at Comcast's request, to amend their franchise so that their terms would be more equal with the terms in Brandenburg's franchise. Brandenburg Telecom recently moved into the Clarkson area.

In other action the Commission:

Awarded the high bids on the surplus vehicles to Roy Lee Zachary. ($411 for the garbage truck and $845 for the fire truck)

Draft a new ordinance that matches the county's when it comes to the regulations regarding curbs and storm drains.

Thanked Ben Shaffar for the baseball training camp attended by Clarkson children.

Passed a motion to look into buying a new garbage truck from Leitchfield's surplus.