A Christmas Parade hosted by local businesses has been approved for Dec. 19 by Belle aldermen.

Sheila Thomas with Prokey’Z Barbeque told aldermen on Nov. 10 that the Halloween Parade they hosted was such a popular event that they were asked to host another one for the coming holidays.

“We would like to do something around early dusk for the ones who want to use Christmas lights,” Thomas explained. “Something between 5 and 5:30 p.m.”

Aldermen approved the idea to follow the abbreviate annual Belle parade route — the same as the Halloween Parade Route — with a 4-0 vote.

In other business, aldermen approved 3-1 to renew the district’s health insurance with BCBS. Assistant Treasurer Theresa Taylor presented the five percent increase to the board but said their insurance broker still insists they are getting the best deal.

Alderman Courtney Abel made the motion to renew the insurance and Alderman Jeanette Struemph seconded the motion. Alderman Tony Gieck was the only one to vote against the renewal.

“Our representative explained that we are grandfathered into this plan — it is a rare plan and good for the city’s employees. Once we give it up, it’s gone,” Taylor said.

Taylor is currently filling in for treasurer Michelle Jones, who is out on leave. The board voted 4-0 to add Taylor’s signature to the city’s bank accounts to allow her to pay bills and request information during Jones’ absence. The motion was approved with a 4-0 vote.

In closed session, the board interviewed candidates for the court clerk position to replace Barb Schaller, who will be fully retiring at the beginning of the year. A motion was made to hire Kelly Kearns but died for lack of a second.

Struemph made a motion to interview Kearns, Cindy Moore, Jeremy harris and Amber Hamilton. The individual who is selected would begin a starting pay of $11 an hour and receive a 50 cent increase after six months.