The city of Hiram has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Paulding County and the city of Dallas for a future tax on manufacturers.

Hiram City Council on Dec. 4 voted to adopt an ordinance that will phase in a 2 percent excise tax on energy used in manufacturing. This will replace a similar tax from the state that is being phased out over the next four years.

Hiram City Manager Robbie Rokovitz said the county is taking the lead on establishing the tax at the local level in Paulding.

It is not yet clear how the tax proceeds will be dispersed among the governments, or how it will affect the community, said Hiram Mayor Doris Devey.

“This is the first time it’s ever been done,” she said. “You’re not going to lose any money, and we can always take it out.”

Also at the meeting the graduating class of the 2012 Citizen’s Police Academy was recognized.

The academy is a group of around 20 residents who take an eight-week course on what it means to be police officer, Rokovitz said. This helps residents understand police work is not just what is portrayed on television and in movies, he said.

The course is offered once a year.

In other action, the city entered into a six-month contract with Waste Industries to last until June 30, 2013.

In the past the contracts have lasted for a year, but Rokovitz said he insisted that it be shortened. This will give the city the chance to research other companies and the services they offer, he said.

The council also approved changes to the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System Defined Benefit Retirement Plan.

The changes will allow employees of the city to start gaining retirement benefits after working there for five years. The employees will not be able to draw from this until they are 65 years old, and the city will contribute 5 percent of the employees pay, Rokovitz said.

The council approved renewals of 11 full pouring licenses, and two businesses were approved for limited pouring licenses.

They also renewed four licenses for retail package sales of beer, wine and spirits and 12 for retail sales for beer and wine only. One business will be able to have their license renewed after a background check.