Russell Springs Mayor Hollis DeHart was absent for the second regular monthly city council meeting in a row due to an undisclosed illness that required surgery approximately three weeks ago.

Mayor Pro-tem and Councilman Ray Barrett again filled in for DeHart at this month’s meeting.

“(DeHart) is coming along really well but his doctors are advising him he needs a little more rest and relaxation,” Barrett said of the mayor.

Barrett said city employees and council members have been advising the mayor of the city’s business items and goings-on during his time off work.

“He is up to date with everything,” Barrett said. “We wish him the best and with Godspeed we hope he is back with us as soon as possible.”

In other happenings at the meeting:

• The council chose to survey the property that includes the former Russell Springs Police Department building. The issue was brought up about selling the building and property via an auction or sealed bids but due to the building being in the same lot and in such close proximity to the fire department building, city leaders chose to survey the property before any further action was taken.

• After thorough research, City Clerk Wendy Burton said installing a debit/credit card system in city hall would cost between $3,000 and $5,000 from United Systems & Software. This issue was first brought up at last month’s council meeting after several citizens had come to city hall to pay their water bill with a debit card and was unable to.

“It is very expensive to start,” Burton said. The issue was tabled until June’s meeting by the council.

• The city announced that the open utilities clerk position has been filled by Tennille Hughes. Hughes began at that position this week.

• The city held the first reading of the city’s budget ordinance for the upcoming fiscal year. The full budget will be read in its entirety at the June city council meeting.