The Waco City Council said they were pleased with the presentation from David Nist, who requested the city’s business for a new wireless Internet service technology that concentrates on rural areas.

Waco Mayor Travis Prichard said the council will “further discuss and get back” to Nist about his pitch for the city to approve SPOT the Internet for its wireless Internet service provider. Nist stressed the capabilities of the portable technology, “which serves better in rural places.” Launching services in Tallapoosa this week, Nist noted it is an affordable investment.

“The service is offered for $19.95, and that’s the guaranteed cost for at least a year,” he said. “We anticipate a cheaper price over time, but no cost for the municipality. Our main goal is to give people the Internet who didn’t have it before.”

Nist added that city hall would have the service for free, if they agree to get on board, noting SPOT’s willingness to meet the needs of underserved communities short on efficient online access.

While impressed with the benefits highlighted during the presentation, Prichard said the council would talk more about the offer and thoroughly review utilities and current related service contracts before they make a decision.

Meanwhile, the council approved to consult the city’s legal counsel about implementing changes to service terms for council members.

The council addressed their goal to “stagger” the service terms for two council member posts to prevent re-election from happening at the same time. They discussed the challenges the current measure could pose on the city if an entirely new board has to operate without the guidance from experienced members. Therefore, the council is seeking legal counsel about amending the post terms, which they hope to have in place by 2011.

In other business, the council approved to turn down an offer for the old T&W building. Floyd C. Davis owns the long-time vacant property, which once served as a manufacturing company in town. The council agreed that acquisition of the building would be too costly for the city at this time, since the building would potentially call for demolition and restoration efforts.

The council said they’d further evaluate the feasibility of a credit card machine to handle customers’ bill payments. City Clerk Sherry Morgan requested the review to accommodate residents who want to pay sanitation and other bills with credit and debit cards.

The council later approved a fee increase of $25 for insurance companies to do business with the city of Waco. The proposition comes after Prichard recently reviewed records that showed the city was only charging insurance companies $15 for a business fee, instead of the $25 that other entities pay to provide services to the city.

The next Waco City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, at Waco City Hall.