Representative C.B. Embry visited the Clarkson City Commission meeting Tuesday, June 17 to inform the commission of state government happenings and to "keep in touch with votes in the 17th District."

Embry said Kentucky representatives and senators have approved a budget that will allow $8.5 million for the 17th District.

In new business, commissioners struggled with a decision on increased insurance rates from the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) organization in Lexington. Insurance from KLC was quoted to cost the city $28,404 this year.

The city's health insurance dropped $11,000 due to city clerk, Alicia Hayes, learning of another, less expensive source for the coverage, but all other insurance rose. KLC needed an immediate reply as to whether the city would pay the bill outright or make payments with 9.9 percent interest.

Commissioners tabled the decision so they could research other means of affording insurance and a special meeting will be called in the next week.

In other business, ordinances 2003-07, -08 and -09 were passed. Ordinance 2003-07 amended the 2002-2003 budget, -08 required business licenses and -09 raised sewer rates for the first time in 14 years. A public hearing was held to inform the audience of the municipal road fund money and local government economic assistance fund. The municipal road fund comes from gas taxes and can only be used for road work.

The economic assistance fund comes from mineral sales, such as coal, and can benefit many city entities including police, fire, parks, work force, and others. Ordinances 2003-10 and -11 were also passed approving the 2003-2004 budget and the occupational tax.

Commissioners voted to accept Neil Harrison as a full-time city employee and to change auditors, accepting a $2,900 bid from Robert Ryan of Louisville, Ky. for a $4,040 savings.

The commission then went into executive session to discuss personnel, but took no action. Before adjourning, commissioners approved the purchase of metal for the firehouse roof and decided Police Chief Dan Peterson, Sr. would clock in and clock out with dispatch.

Commissioners also received a donation of $1,150 for a pitching machine. The funds were raised during a ball tournament. Also, Alma Langdon and Patty Duvall from the Dixie House Restaurant made a donation to the city of $520 to be used for the park's dugouts.