The City Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday at 7:30 in City Hall for its regular bi-monthly meeting.

The agenda includes a council bill authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Carthage Convention and Visitors Bureau for marketing and promoting Carthage as a destination to visitors in an amount not to exceed $168,019.00.

The meeting is scheduled to include an ordinance adopting the Annual Operating and Capital Budget of the City of Carthage.

The third Council bill scheduled for vote would authorize the utility rate changes for water, electric, and wastewater services as recommended by the Carthage Water and Electric Board.

New business includes Council bill 03-38 authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract between the City of Carthage and the Carthage Over 60 Center for services in the amount of $10,000.00.

Correction.

The correct number for reservations for Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre is 358-9665 or Betty Bell at 358-7268.

Looks like keepin’ spendin’ from increasin’ and pullin’ out $275,000 from the piggy bank will balance the City budget this year. The problem will surface next year when the piggy bank is pretty well dry.

There is another $300,000 saved back for the possible interchange out at Fairview and 71, but mostly likely that will be tapped long before the interchange is close to reality. With health insurance and other personnel costs goin’ up, the pressure will be buildin’ for a run at tax increases.

‘Course if the City can move another piece of property out at Myers Park that might help tide things over for the short term, but development costs will eat mosta that.

Looks like the community may be in for a spell of just maintainin’ services for a while.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Getting the Best Advice

Q: You often recommend the local home-improvement store when readers want more detailed advice. What’s the best way to approach a salesperson so that I can get the answers I need on a project? — Tara M., El Paso

A: The best way to get a good answer from a salesperson is to bring as much information as you can. That way, he or she will be able to pick the best parts or tools for the job you’re trying to complete.

Before going to the home improvement or hardware store, list your questions as well as all you know about the project so far.

For example, if you’re repairing a leaky faucet, have disassembled it, but can’t find anything clearly wrong, write down those details. In addition, gather any old parts and place them in a clear plastic bag to take with you. In the case of the leaky faucet, the sales associate can see what type of faucet you’re working with and will be able to help you out.

Spare parts alone may not do it, especially in the case of electrical repairs. In this case, make a sketch of the area or item you’re working with and bring it along with your list of questions.

A knowledgeable associate will help identify the problem you’re having and can recommend a way to fix it. Most will also tell you what additional trouble you may run into during the repair or improvement, but if they don’t, be sure to ask. Find out what the best tools for the job are, too.

Make sure you have everything you need when you make a purchase. If you buy a package with several parts inside, check to make sure everything listed is in the package before you leave the parking lot. It’s easier to go right back in and swap it out.

Most importantly, though, don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how simple they seem. Sales associates are there to help — after all, it’s your money and time that you’re spending. It’s better to ask as many questions as possible in order to get the right materials than to be forced to come back later for something you needed.

HOME TIP

Always keep old parts on hand during a repair or improvement project. They can be used as reference points, and may even need to be reused before the project is complete.