City Council met in special session on July 15, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Lester presided:
Councilmembers present:
Dylan Canaday
Scott Winkler
Jared Andrews
Wyatt Perry
Amy Farris
Beryl Grant
City employees present were City Administrator Kennedy, Treasurer Rowland, Chief Newman, Public Works Director Mager, Library Director Sobrero, Assistant Director Brown, Fire Chief Perry and Fire Captain Galloway.
Library
Budget mostly is unchanged. Budgeted to repair the sidewalk at the back entrance $4,320.
Fire
Chief Perry stated they went through the ratings survey and it raised our level of service. It dropped our rating from a level 5 to level 4. They have documented training and all the engines passed their pump certification. The department is in good shape. They replaced the 1987 brush truck with the 1996 and sold the old one for more than they spent on the new vehicle. Air packs are close to 6 -7 years old. He found that big departments change their vehicles at 20 years while small departments wait until 30 years. An educated buyer could find a used pump truck. Perry stated they won’t be asking for a brand-new engine. Their member numbers are steady. He proposed raising Fireman Salaries to $26,000 so they would get paid $50/fire and $50/meeting.
The Firemen’s Association raises money to take care of the buffalo, so he would like to move the $2,000 for storage to firemen’s salary. He can save money in custodial by decreasing to $250 and give up $1,800 of his salary to offset the cost. Some equipment is being purchased by the firemen’s association. They buy new technology items such as thermal imaging cameras, better gloves, better hand tools, etc. Regular maintenance and equipment are paid by the city budget. Perry felt inspections for daycares need to be increased as $25 is too low. Also, there are other fees such as pawn licenses that need increased. The county charges $200.
Police
Chief Newman stated salaries are down a little as he has no part time staff. Dispatch is up. He added virus protection monitoring with CompuNet.
On vehicles he had two options:
• Opt A – $66,000 would replace 2 patrol vehicles and Mike’s vehicle. The Chief vehicle is paid and owned. The 2 patrol vehicles will come off the lease. The plan is to lease the 2 patrol vehicles and lease to own the chief and sergeant vehicles.
• Opt B – $30,000 would extend the current lease for another year.
Street, Water and Sewer
Public Works Director Mager had an addition to general engineering in the three departments. He is trying to update his construction specifications and has a J-U-B estimate of $32,200, split three ways.
Revenues
City Administrator Kennedy reviewed revenues for all funds.
Discussion
Kennedy suggested not up charging all the departments on the medical fund since there are investments. We could try for a year and see where the investment balance sits.
Business Licenses and fee changes were discussed.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
