CEYLON — Ceylon City Council has approved a contract with Martin County Attorney Terry Viesselman to prosecute criminal offenses in the city.

The cost is $4,000 per year, or the same as what has been charged in previous years.

The council has asked the city clerk to get three bids for legal services for civil offenses, such as ordinance violations. Council members were especially interested in the attitude of the firms concerning small towns and helping small towns clean up problems.

In another matter, the council approved the 2020 budget and property tax levy. The budget will increase $4,000, or about 2.69 percent.

Turning to other business, the council discussed a report about State Bank of Ceylon looking for partnerships to build housing, such as duplexes, in Ceylon, and rehabilitating other properties. The council agreed to look into a long-term plan for the community.

In other action, the council:

o Heard a report from Councilman John Gibeau, who said 50 people attended a free Thanksgiving meal at the fitness center, with all the food donated.

o Discussed forming a committee to look into a possible building to house the museum and, possibly, a community center in the next 5 to 10 years.