ESCANABA -- The sale and consumption of alcohol at events in Escanaba will now be allowed.

Thursday night, the council amended the ordinance to allow the sale of alcohol in Ludington Park and other public places in conjunction with authorized events.  Large events like Rib Fest and the fishing tournaments will now be able to sell alcohol.

The Downtown Development Authority brought this before the board because they feel it'll not only move the city forward, but provide more opportunities for both city businesses and non-profits.

"It's not about having alcohol in our community, it's about bringing events to our community, and we've lost events over the years and this just gives us one more opportunity for events which would like to have alcohol to bring the event to our community," said Cori Triest, Co-director, DDA.

The city also adopted its budget last night, which will include utility rate increases for residents.

They'll be holding a public hearing regarding those increases on June 7.