In a split vote, the Ouray City Council agreed May 7 to hire professional photographer and social media manager Markus Van Meter to handle digital marketing for the city for the rest of the year.

The decision came after Van Meter withdrew his proposal on May 5, only to resubmit it less than two hours before the council’s meeting.

Mayor Greg Nelson, Mayor Pro Tem John Wood and Councilor Peggy Lindsey voted to pay Van Meter $5,000 a month for his work. Councilors Glenn Boyd and Ethan Funk voted ag...