Lithonia's attempt to get back on track with city business moved forward Monday night, but with a hiccup.

The city council and mayor worked together, with some tension, in a two-hour workshop session to plan next month's agenda.

Concerns were raised about city finances, including what the millage rate will be for property owners and whether the 2007 budget has ever been adopted. The 2008 budget is still being tweaked.

A big setback, however, appeared to be the sudden resignation of city Judge John Roberts.

Roberts stepped down without notice on Friday, but most members of the council did not hear about his resignation until Monday's meeting.

The vacancy could have affected resumption of municipal court, with the next date set for Friday.

However, after heated words about how to fill the job, the council decided to appoint the city's associate judge to fill in as he has in the past while a request is posted for the job.