Dunbar voters can look forward to a little more convenience during the 2020 election.
City Council passed an ordinance during its Monday evening meeting to hold the municipal and general election on the same day. The move will save the city around $30,000 to $40,000, Dunbar Mayor Terry Greenlee said.
"It is just another way of doing things that you can save money the city spends," Greenlee said.
He noted several surrounding municipalities recently made the change and it makes sense for more than just fiscal matters. Greenlee believes the change also will help increase participation in local elections.
"The presidential election draws more people out," Greenlee said. "If we are just having a city election, a lot of people won't even come out. But if it's on the presidential election [ballot], there's a higher percent of people voting, so more people will vote for city officials also.
"A lot of people just don't get into small-town politics."
Candidates may file for the 2017 municipal primary from Jan. 9 - 19.
Also on Monday, Council took its first step in regulating fireworks. Council members passed the first reading of an ordinance limiting the use of fireworks to Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day and New Year's Eve.
"We had so many complaints on fireworks," Greenlee said. "Just like the surrounding cities."
In Dunbar, on all holidays and corresponding weekends except New Year's Eve, fireworks may be used from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On New Year's Eve, fireworks are permitted until 12:30 a.m.
Enforcing the law will pose similar challenges like enforcing stop signs or speeding - "we will have to catch people in the act," Greenlee said.
Those caught will face a $500 fine per offense.
In other business, council:
n Approved purchasing a used dump truck for $35,000 for Public Works
n Approved Oct. 17 meeting minutes.