New business at the Tuesday night Clarkson City Commission meeting saw a raise in garbage rates, emploee wages and a "per run" payment for firefighters.

Commissioners hesitantly voted to raise garbage rates another three percent to match the raise in rate from the City of Leitchfield.

The rates were previously raised 22 percent at the beginning of the year. It was the city's first garbage rate hike in 10 years. For most in-city residents, the new fee will be $13.30.

Commissioner Carl Ball made the motion to give the pay increase. City employees have not had a raise in two and a half years, according to city clerk Alicia Hayes. The increase, which went into effect Monday, Nov. 17, was already allotted in the new budget.

Ball also suggested the firefighters be compensated $5 per run.

The commission also voted to rescind an April 15 vote to renovate the old state garage building into a fire house. The renovation was researched and proved to cost between $185,000 to $265,000.

CPA Bob Ryan went over the city's audit, giving the city a clean report. Ryan reccommended the city begin codifying the ordinances into one book.

The recommendationswas backed by city attorney David Williams. Mayor Bonnie Henderson asked about the cost and was given a ballpark figure between $3,000 and $5,000. Ryan said some grants are available to defray the cost.

Commissioners agreed to grant easement to Brandenburg Cable for $100 to place a fiber optic cable through the city. Allowing the cable through the city could open several opportunities for additional services.

In other business, commissioners heard from Aaron Caswell, from Eagle Scout Troop #631. Caswell discussed his interest in helping improve the city park for his Eagle Scout. Some discussion about the troop helping with the pavillion, which has already been planned, occurred but no action was taken.

Henderson informed the commission that the $54,000 grant they applied for has been unofficially refused. According to Henderson, more than $5 million was requested with only $1.2 million available. She expects to get an official notice soon.

Commissioners discussed several other issues including spraying for mosquitoes, buying a new pumper truck for the fire department, lighting for the community building, a mowing machine for the city park and purchasing a rooter machine for the sewer system.

The action taken on these subjects was to allow a purchase for the rooter machine at "a reasonable cost."