The 4-2 vote allowed the folks who run the nonprofit Garden of Gethsemane Homeless Shelter to have a pass on their $5,000 utility deposit and to pay a little each month on their past due bills.

In these tough economic times, we are glad there are groups around like the caring people who run this shelter.

In making this exception to the rule, the city council is going to have to consider waiving deposits not only for non-profits but also for businesses and local citizens who are struggling to make ends meet.