Two proposals from Councilman John Conti were the subject of much discussion during a recent Elberta Town Council meeting, with the council ultimately taking action on issues involving access to financial information and combatting the Zika virus.

Conti said he had raised questions about an exchange of information letter for the state and county that would allow the mayor and council members access to financial information for the town, including sales tax revenues paid to the state, county and town for many local businesses.

Conti said such information was needed by the council in helping to make financial decisions

“Based on the conversations about the revenue for the new Dollar General coming, there were a lot of numbers thrown around but none of the council members know the exact numbers on revenue on this town, which is something we need to know when we’re talking about putting together a budget,” Conti said. “We need to know exact numbers.”

Town Clerk Lisa Salter said it would not be an issue to send off such a document, but reminded town officials that there was a confidentiality agreement that came with access to the documents.

The council voted unanimously to approve Conti’s proposal.

Conti then raised a question regarding the town’s efforts to combat mosquitos and the potential spread of the Zika virus, asking what had been done to enforce the town’s already existing laws regarding lawn height and other property violations.

Mayor pro tem Jim Hamby said he agreed it was an issue the council needed to address sooner rather than later, since mosquito season was already approaching.

“We can’t kick this can down the road much more,” Hamby said. “At the next council meeting, between now and then, we need to look at that ordinance and figure out exactly what we’re supposed to be enforcing and doing.”

There was also a good deal of discussion about what city department was in charge of enforcement for potential property violations, as the responsibilities seemed to overlap between the Public Works department and the Elberta Police Department.

In the end, the council voted unanimously to send out a postcard to every resident within the town’s jurisdiction to remind them about the town’s ordinance and inform them about ways to help combat mosquitos, such as getting rid of standing water on their properties.