DODGE CITY —Even in small towns, first impressions are important. Which is why Thursday, Aug. 8, the Dodge City Town Council signed off on a purchase to rejuvenate the town’s welcome signs.

Town Clerk Vicki Ogletree mentioned how several of the current welcome signs had been upended either by severe weather or wayward motorists. The ones left standing have also begun to show their age.

Councilmembers agreed to a $1,100 purchase for seven new signs bearing the “Welcome to the town of Dodge City” moniker to replace those at all of the town’s major entry points. However, to call the signs replacements would be understating the updated aesthetics they will bring.

All seven of the new 3’ by 2’ signs will sport an arch-top design rather than the existing standard rectangular shape. Rather than sticking to the current black-on-white color palette, the council opted for a rich, blue background sporting white lettering town leaders believe will contrast nicely against the scenic greenery of many of the towns rural county roads.

The “welcome” slogan will also sport a more festive look once the holiday season rolls around. The town increased its Christmas budget by $15,000 with the bulk being earmarked for a large Christmas light display featuring a train bearing the phrase.

In other business the council:

— Scheduled a budgetary work session for next Thursday, Aug. 15.

— Announced its plans to open bids for a repaving project for County Road 223 at its next scheduled meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12.

— Approved a budget of up to $50,000 for the purchase of a new Kubota M series, enclosed-cab tractor including an 8’ bushhog and grapple bucket attachments.

— Approved a budget of $425 for the purchase of a Canon EOS Rebel series DSLR camera.

— Announced its “Dodge City Fun Day” scheduled for next Saturday, Aug. 17, beginning at 2 p.m. in Ray Park located behind Town Hall.