Christiansburg Town Council on Tuesday took its first reading of the $42 million 2008-2009 town budget with proposed increases in water, sewer and garbage collection fees, building permit fees and taxes on business, professional and occupational licenses.

Six residents and business representatives spoke, two in opposition to BPOL tax increases.

By a 3 -2 vote with one abstention from Councilman Mike Barber, council approved a conditional use permit request by L&R Burch Properties for auto and truck auctions at 2000 Roanoke St.

In other business, town council:

• Asked the town attorney to review the town's contract with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce regarding contributions to the Tourism Development Council. Councilwoman Ann Carter asked the council to consider putting a cap on tax receipts earmarked for tourism managed by the chamber and to dedicate some of the money in support of events specifically designed to increase activity in Christiansburg. Currently, the tourism initiative receives 1 percent of a 7 percent lodging tax. Councilman Steve Huppert suggested capping the contribution at $70,000.
• Approved a marquee sign permit to Water by Design after the business filed an appeal in Montgomery County Circuit Court challenging Town Manager Lance Terpenny's interpretation of the town's sign ordinance. Terpenny, who has sole authority to rule on compliance with the sign ordinance, gave the council consent to vote on the challenge to the interpretation. The council voted to allow the sign and ordered the Planning Commission to revise the ordinance to avoid future misinterpretation.