All three Dallas Council members whose terms end this year say they are seeking re-election.

“I’m gonna’ be running,” said Ward 3 Councilman Griffin White. “I’d love to have the job again,” said at-large Councilwoman Nancy Arnold. “I guess so,” said Kelly Carter of Ward 1 with a sigh; “I’ll need a lot of help, though.”

“I’d like to see [the rest of the council] put pressure on Kelly; he’s talking about not running again,” said Councilman Frank “Bingo” McTyre earlier in the City Council meeting Aug. 3. “I haven’t decided yet,” Carter said then.

The council also set qualifying dates of 8:30 a.m. Sept. 2 through 4:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at City Hall. Qualifying fees are $150. Any challenge to the three incumbents would be decided Nov. 3.

Mayor Boyd Austin said the city has “just about completed the 2010 budget” and is waiting for the county to approve the tax digest and its budget Aug. 11. The City Council will have its September meeting Aug. 31 to avoid the Labor Day holiday and will vote on the city’s budget then.

The mayor said the budget reflects lower revenues and keeps the tax millage rate the same for another year. “It looks like it’s going to work out,” Austin said of the budget. “The numbers are good.”

“Despite tough economic times, we don’t anticipate furloughs and layoffs,” he said. “There was no cost-of-living raise, but we maintained job security.”

Austin praised the dedication of Police Chief Scott Halter, who was honored for 20 years of service to the city at a luncheon last week. “We have nine to 11 employees with 20 years of service or close to that,” said the mayor, showing “the loyalty of employees and the loyalty of the city to employees.”

The council amended its hotel/motel excise tax ordinance to reflect state law changes in the definition of permanent resident from “not less than 10 continuous days’ stay” to “not less than 30 continuous days’ stay” in extended-stay motels.

The council voted unanimously to apply for a $58,000 Justice Assistance Grant that would include funding for a K-9 dog, training of its handler, alcosensors for all patrol cars, rainhats, metal detectors for city court and forensics equipment for detectives. Another $14,000, also from federal stimulus funds, will pay for half of the K-9 officer’s vehicle.

Police Maj. Michael Hester told the council that a K-9 unit would not increase the city’s insurance liability and that K-9 dogs can be insured for about $1,000 annually. Hester said Paulding County Sheriff’s Office personnel have offered to accompany Dallas police to buy a trained K-9 dog in Pennsylvania and help determine its temperament.

“We don’t want an overly aggressive dog,” said Hester. He said a multi-purpose dog could search for narcotics and felony suspects and also be used for educational purposes in schools.

A $900 bulletproof vest for the dog has been donated, said Hester, and a local veterinarian has agreed to donate yearly checkups and non-trauma vet care.

“I recommend we go ahead with it,” said McTyre, chairman of the council’s Public Safety Committee. “I think it would be a great addition to the Police Department.”

Dallas Theatre Manager Lenay Walker reported that “ticket sales have not been excellent” to the Western film series but that this summer’s drama camp was successful and might be expanded next summer or as an after-school program. She said the best sources for advertising theater events are being determined.

Last year, about 1,700 students saw shows at the theater, and Walker said that program resumes this fall.

She said a Festival of Trees will raise money for the first theater-produced plays presented by the Main Street Players: “Steel Magnolias,” the musical “Pump Boys & Dinettes” and “maybe a full-length children’s show in fall 2010.” Walker speculated that a children’s show would have “a great turnout.”

City Manager Kendall Smith said 15 companies have received requests for proposals on city garbage service and that bids would be submitted by the next council meeting.

“The well contract is finally signed,” Smith said, and construction is to be complete by Jan. 30. Water from the three wells the city has dug to supplement its water purchases from the county “doesn’t require much treatment,” he added.

Public Works Manager Tina Clark reported there have been no sewer spills since April and that “the biggest problem is still grease.” She said public works is trying to pinpoint trouble spots in the sewer system.

The pavilion at Sara Babb Park “is almost rental-ready” and awaits paving to be completed. Clark said there have been discussions about a possible day camp at Sara Babb Park next summer and a Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association bicycle race at the park this fall.

The city has hired a code enforcement officer and on Monday had the first of two readings of a proposed code enforcement ordinance.

The council granted use of the downtown area for a variety of upcoming events. The area between the courthouse and Bagby Building will be closed Aug. 14 for ceremonies related to the official opening of Georgia Highlands College and Kennesaw State University classes in the Bagby Building.

The Downtown Merchants Association was granted permission to have its Merchants Yard Sale Sept. 19 (rain date Sept. 26) and Merchants Live Nativity Dec. 12. The Dallas Lions Club will use the downtown area for the second annual Taste of Paulding Oct. 3, and the Rotary and Civitans clubs’ annual Christmas parade will be downtown Dec. 5.