Vidalia — Tuesday’s meeting of the Vidalia Board of Aldermen came with a travel policy recommendation from Aldermen Jon Betts.

Betts recommended the aldermen adopt the Louisiana state travel policy since the aldermen are currently operating without a policy of their own.

However, Mayor Hyram Copeland and City Attorney Jack McLemore both suggested the board examine the state’s policy and revisit the issue at the next meeting.

Copeland and McLemore both said they were aware of some instances where the state’s allotment does not include enough funding to pay for expenses.

For instance, McLemore said the state’s policy would only allow the aldermen to spend $8 on breakfast, while traveling, which McLemore said is not enough in cities like New Orleans or New York.

“For $8 all you get is the spoon to stir your coffee,” he said.

Copeland said McLemore will examine the policy, and at their next meeting aldermen will discuss changes they’d like to see implemented before the policy is adopted.

In other news, the aldermen granted four new business licenses to shops opening in Vidalia.

The new shops included a clothing store and a sporting goods store.

Copeland noted that while many say the economy is not doing well, business in Vidalia continues to grow.

He urged the city’s residents to support their local merchants.

“We have to support our local businesses,” Copeland said.