DUNBAR, W.Va. -- Dunbar City Council members passed an ordinance for redistricting the city's wards at a regular council meeting Tuesday night.

Dunbar Mayor Jack Yeager said the redistricting plans would go into effect after the election in November. Members passed the ordinance now to "just get it out of the way," Yeager said.

Council members also passed an ordinance providing raises for city department heads. Yeager said the amount of each raise varies and excludes all elected officials as well as police and firefighters.

Police and firefighters are under contract and raises have to be negotiated for those departments, Yeager said.

Council members honored Greg Giles, who retired after serving as the city's fire chief for 25 years.

They presented him with a certificate of appreciation for his many years of service, Yeager said.

Lastly, council members announced Dunbar's fall festival would be from Sept. 21 to Sept. 22. Southern gospel singer Squire Parson -- among other entertainers -- will host a free concert at the festival.

Reach Megan Workman at megan.work...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5113.