By Sherrie Taylor, rnstytlr@winco.net

ALPHA — Treasurer Steve Norberg told the village board the village is spending slightly more than it's taking in this year.

Mr. Norberg's report to the board listed account balances of $194,000 in the general fund, $94,500 in motor fuel tax and $25,000 in the water/sewer fund.

In other business, the board:
-Learned a service line leak on West A Street can't be turned off without ripping up the sidewalk to get to a valve box that needs to be replaced.

-Public works official Keith Taflinger said the Illinois Environment Protection Agency will require chlorine testing seven days week, beginning after the next village water inspection.

-Approved Christmas bonuses for employees: Keith Taflinger, $300; Scott Rowland and Rob Burford, $200; and Greg Strandberg, $150. The bonuses were increased slightly from last year.

-Learned local firemen will sponsor a chili and soup supper and a Santa visit on Dec. 21. The Alpha Community Team will donate a turkey and ham for a drawing.