Discussion about how to handle septic haulers again dominated Ironton City Council at Thursday’s meeting.

Council has been debating an ordinance aimed at creating stiffer requirements for companies that want to enjoy the better rates that come with being considered a local hauler.

The original ordinance included fee increases for non-local haulers and requirements for haulers to be considered local, including having at least five full-time employees who would pay income tax to the city and paid utility bills to the city that average at least $100 per month in the last year.

On Thursday, Council amended the ordinance to increase the number of employees to eight and to eliminate the requirement for bill payments in the previous year. The amended ordinance received a first reading.

Debate centered on how the income tax would be collected and whether the ordinance would lead to septic haulers actually becoming Ironton businesses.

Mayor Rich Blankenship was presented awards by Randy Lilly and Carol Allen of Ironton in Bloom. IIB was recently recognized nationally in the floral display category for cities with populations from 10,000-15,000.

“It’s pretty unbelievable,” Blankenship said of IIB’s work. “It’s a great accomplishment and shows we’re moving forward.”

Council also gave first reading to repeal an ordinance that would have increased the amount of funds going into the Garbage Equipment Reserve Fund.

Council also opted to table an ordinance that would give the mayor and vice mayor access to the records of any employer or taxpayer for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of any tax return.

In other business:

— A public utilities committee meeting has been scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. at the meeting room of the Ironton City Center.

— Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m.

— Council unanimously approved the appointment of Ron McGraw to the City Health Department Board.