The San Marcos City Council is in the horns of a dilemma as it attempts to write an ordinance for zoning sexually oriented businesses (SOBs) within the city. Should the city zone specifically for SOBs, which, according to city officials, is likely to doom that part of town to blight and high crime? Or should the city follow the more standard municipal practice of allowing SOBs in areas zones for industry, which would open them to a section of town that stands to benefit from about $175 million in public investment and includes some of the city’s heaviest employers?

On the eve of an election that could define a new voting majority on the city council, San Marcos City Councilmembers voted Monday to table two contentious items regarding compensation. Councilmembers tabled an employment agreement with the city’s police officers, then tabled a second and deciding vote on payment for themselves.

The San Marcos City Council decided Tuesday night to continue prayer before its meetings, but directed staff to establish guidelines to favor no faith and include all faiths.

Downtown business owners, San Marcos City Councilmembers and, apparently, attorneys remain unsure about the notion of a “rolling quorum,” the threat of which kept two councilmembers from meeting last week with the Downtown Association.

The San Marcos City Council reversed itself Tuesday night, approving a re-zoning plan to clear the way for apartment housing on 22.5 acres near the intersection of Hunter Road and Wonder World Drive.