DeKALB – The DeKalb City Council gave the first nod Monday evening to a proposal that would overhaul the city’s liquor code. Under the new code, it will be at the mayor’s discretion – as the liquor commissioner – whether a liquor commission will be appointed.

Mayor Kris Povlsen described this as being a compromise between city officials who could not agree on whether the liquor commission should exist. The commission could exist if the mayor determines it is needed.

“The value they had was a very viable one and a very important one,” Povlsen said. “But I think because of the changes in the code and where the liquor industry is going now, I think the need has changed. Commissions kind of come and go, and this is one that doesn’t need to meet on a regular basis.”