The DeKalb Liquor Commission got a new commissioner this spring, Mayor Frank Van Buer.

As liquor commissioner, Van Buer plans to utilize the liquor commission extensively and use its input to develop good decisions.

“I plan on using the liquor commission for advice and discussion,” Van Buer said.

Van Buer’s strategy in handling the liquor commission is in stark contrast to former mayor Greg Sparrow.

Sparrow primarily sought his two chief advisers, the city attorney and the police chief, for input, he said.

“The liquor commission is unnecessary extra layers of commission,” Sparrow said.

The liquor commission had no authority but was still welcome to come to the hearings, Sparrow said.

“I sat in acting as judge and jury to hearings,” Sparrow said. “But only when facts were in dispute did this occur.”

But liquor laws may be subject to change for the city of DeKalb.

The city attorney is revising the intoxicating liquor chapter of DeKalb’s municipal code, Van Buer said.

The commission plans to sit down in the next month or so and figure out what the plan is, Van Buer said.