Altamont Council Amends Animal Control Ordinance

Altamont City Council members Monday revised its municipal code concerning animal control.

The ordinance previously governed dogs and cats, but now covers all animals. If a resident has an animal, they can keep it in town, but if the animal is gone from the premises for more than 12 consecutive months, the owner can't bring the animal back into the city limits. Additionally, the animals cannot be allowed to run at large.

The Council also amended the zoning ordinance to govern shouses. A shouse is a metal building that people live in. The structure is defined in the code as a workshop or storage building connected to a house or living quarters, outwardly resembling a rolled sheet building. The structure will also serve as the primary living quarters.

Altamont council members approved an amendment of the fiscal year appropriations ordinance, increasing the amount by $207,200. City Clerk Sarah Stephen said the increase is due to a variety of reasons, including repairs to an electric transformer totaling about $70,000. The Council also approved the estimated tax levy totaling $256,500, an increase of 4.8% in what was extended in taxes last year.

Council members also approved use of the Gilbert Park parking area for visitors to the Immanuel Lutheran Youth's live nativity.