Since the fifth council member was absent, it fell to Mayor E.M. Spraberry to break the tie. The mayor voted for the increase. In other business, the council set the city election for May 2. Voters will elect a mayor and three council members. The term of Mayor Spraberry will expire, along with those of council members Mark Haechten, Otis Moore and Wendell Barber.
Terms are for two years.
Filing begins Feb. 16 and end March 18. The council also named Barber as a replacement for Seth Lawrence on the Hospital Board. Lawrence's two-year term expires at the end of February and he said he did not desire reappointment. A fire at the home of Brownwood veterinarian Dr. Joe Speck resulted in extensive fire, smoke and water damage. Four small dogs managed to escape the flames but an older dog died.