The plan is in the works for a community center to be constructed in Clarkson soon, thanks to a Senior Citizen/Community Building Grant.

Clarkson Mayor Bonnie Henderson announced on Monday night, during the November commissioner's meeting, about available funding to make the community center project a reality.

Under the Community Development Block Grant Program, the city would be eligible for a 75/25 grant. According to Henderson, there is no dollar limit on the grant.

Commissioners agreed to talk to Clarkson Elementary School Principal Eddie Chambers about recycling leftover materials from the current school for the new building.

Henderson said there are two pieces of land the city is looking at to build the community center on. The first piece of property is located off of Highway 62 behind the Clarkson Community Park, and the other is three acres at the end of Spring Street.

The new building is estimated to be over 100 feet long and 80 feet wide.

"We are very excited about the community center," Henderson mentioned. "All plans are just in the early stages right now."

A formal meeting with a state representative will be set up to discuss further about the specifics of the grant.

In other business:

• Commissioners approved the second reading of property tax rates for 2009. The personal property tax rate decreased to .0964 per $100 of assessed value, and the real property rate will remain the same as last year at .0795 per $100 of assessed value.

Last years' personal property tax rate was .1106 per $100 of assessed value.

A public hearing was held on October 12 about the 2009 rates, but no citizens showed up for the meeting.

The city’s income will increase by four percent from the new rates.

• An appreciation chili dinner is scheduled for November 14 at 4 p.m. at city hall for all volunteers who helped with relief efforts in Clarkson from January's ice storm.

Henderson said her and the commissioners wanted to show their gratitude for everyone's hard work.

• A Christmas-tree lighting ceremony is slated for December 4 at 6 p.m. in front of city hall.

Santa will be making a special appearance again this year on a fire truck.

Refreshments will be served.

• Officials proclaimed Red Ribbon Week in the city for October 25-31.

• Halloween trick or treating for area kids is going to be from 5-8 p.m. on October 31.