LINDEN – The new year may hold promise for the county seat after a vote Tuesday put the city one step closer to potentially welcoming a new business. The Linden City Council voted to approve a recommendation from its planning commission to grant a one-time variance on the property that formerly housed Baugh Chevrolet on U.S. Highway 43.

The variance removes an exclusion specific to the operations of a business that has expressed interest in locating part of its operation in Linden.

“I think that it is a positive move and a great opportunity for the city,” Linden Mayor Mitzi Gates said of the potential of landing the new industry. “It’s trying to accommodate a prospect. Nothing is definite, but it makes your environment appealing to a potential business.”

The city declined to release the name of the potential business as no commitments have yet been made. However, early estimates are that such a relocation could bring anywhere between five and 10 jobs to the city.

Other council business conducted in the first meeting of 2011 included the announcement of the hiring of new Linden Police Department officer Brandon Paulk, who came to the city from similar positions in Marion and Greensboro.

The council also voted to approve the placement of two “Children at Play” signs on Shiloh Street and another on Miller.

The council also announced a health screening Saturday at Austin Park.

The screening will be conducted by A Promise to Help as part of its Black Belt Faith and Medicine Wholeness Initiative.

The event will give away food, clothes, medical examinations and medicine as well as offering advanced cholesterol testing and live music.