SWEET HOME - The Sweet Home City Council is laying its cards on the table: Texas Hold 'Em could be here to stay.

A 2007 provision to allow the poker tournaments within the city limits was set to expire this year, but councilors on Tuesday held a first reading of an ordinance to eliminate the sunset provision.

Second and third readings are scheduled June 9 and 23. If they pass as read, the card games will have no expiration.

In other business Tuesday, the council held a second reading on an ordinance to increase solid waste disposal rates by 3.5 percent, the first price hike since 2006.

Councilors also considered a proposal to establish a $5,000 community grant program in next year's budget, with two grant cycles of $2,500 each. If approved, city staff will establish criteria for applying for such a grant. Councilors will make the decision June 23 when adopting the budget for the coming fiscal year.

Three Sweet Home establishments have held Texas Hold 'Em licenses in the past two years, Police Chief Bob Burford told the council. One chose not to renew this year.

The other two - The Waterhole Tavern and Chewy's Tavern - have had no significant problems, Burford said. One Chewy's customer filed a complaint in the two years, but Burford said his department investigated and found the man was mostly surly about having a bad night at the tables.

James Ashcraft of Chewy's was present at Tuesday's meeting and said the tournaments have been great for his business. He holds three a week and said customers would probably like more.

"I'm actually getting a lot of new people learning to play," he said, adding that people who would otherwise drive to Spirit Mountain or other casinos are now more likely to stay in town.

Texas Hold 'Em licenses are $200 per year. The money goes to the police department, which uses it for the necessary background checks, Burford said.

"If the public has concerns, let us know," he said.