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Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

The first meeting of the new year was also the first for two new members of Harlan City Council on Monday.

New council members Jonathan Lee and Anne Hensley took their seats alongside veteran council members for a meeting that centered around routine financial business.

Councilman Croley Forester inquired about an expenditure in the monthly financial report concerning a consulting firm.

“Thomas Consulting, about two thirds of the way down the second page. I know we’re paying them, but what exactly are we paying these guys for?” asked Forester.

Mayor Danny Howard explained Thomas Consulting furnishes information concerning available federal and state grants.

“Right now we’re working with them on the relocation of the downtown sewers, to find monies for that,” said Howard. “We are looking right now to find monies for a new city hall. He is a consultant that keeps up with where the monies are in state government and also where the monies are in federal government.”

Forester asked if the city is currently in contact with Thomas Consulting.

“I talk to them every week,” said Howard.

“I would like to see what we’re getting from them that’s costing us $1,500 a month,” said Forester.

Howard said he would “get some information together” for the council concerning Thomas Consulting.

After some brief discussion, a motion authorizing the payment of bills passed the council with no opposition.

In other council activity:

* A motion was made and passed reappointing Annie Fox and Dane Ledford to the Harlan Tourist and Convention Commission.

* Harlan Fire Chief Linette Hutchison reported her department conducted two residential inspections, 148 man hours of training and responded to three calls;

* Harlan City Police Chief Mike Thomas reported the Harlan Police Department received 3,632 calls through dispatch and produced 10 case reports, 17 accident reports, 141 citations and 51 arrests.

Reach Joe P. asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@civitasmedia.com