Newton Citizen

PORTERDALE -- The City Council on Monday night unanimously approved the first and second readings of an ordinance establishing Veterans Day as a paid city holiday.

The council had agreed last year to add the holiday, but the ordinance had not been approved by the council. The third and final reading of the ordinance will take place at the city's next meeting -- in time for the Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11. The new holiday will bring the total of paid holidays in Porterdale to 10.

The council also approved the third and final reading of an ordinance that will provide for two billing installments for city property tax bills.

The ordinance calls for taxpayers to receive one tax bill that could be paid in two installments or in one lump sum. Bills would be sent out on July 1 of each year or as soon as is practical after that date. Taxpayers could pay one-half of the amount due within 60 days of the billing date and the remaining balance by Dec. 20.

In other action, Mayor Bobby Hamby read a proclamation honoring Police Chief Wayne Digby, whose resignation will become effective Oct. 15.

The proclamation recognizes Digby as having "greatly improved the professionalism and performance of the Porterdale Police Department through training, leadership and personal example" and expressed the "deep appreciation" of the mayor and council "for his devotion and service to the town of Porterdale."

Later in the meeting, City Manager Bob Thomson reported that the search for a new police chief is under way, and the city has received about five applications so far.