City Council met in special session on July 9, 2024 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, Chief Newman, Public Works Director Mager, Library Director Sobrero, Assistant Director Brown and Fire Chief Perry.
Library
Director Sobrero stated they’d like to increase building maintenance by $500 so they can get some blinds in the children’s room. They also asked for $500 more in books.
Fire
Chief Perry stated after going through the Fire Insurance Rating Survey it looks like the city will go from a 5 to 4 rating. He would like to increase the captains pay from $1,900 to $2,500 per year and the assistant chief pay from $2,600 to $3,000 per year. He is not asking for a raise for himself, but he would like health insurance. Truck maintenance needs to change from $5,000 to $10,000. The department has an aging fleet so maintenance and breakdowns happen more frequently. In the future, they will be looking at a new fire truck. There are a lot of surplus trucks at the 30-year mark which is what they City currently owns. He also increased equipment maintenance from $2,000 to $4,000. The chief felt the budget was sustainable. When a new engine is needed, we have the Webb funds. He felt the 1986 attack truck might be replaced before an engine. They could choose to fix the 1986; the service box is rusted between the bed and compartments so when it is filled with water, it fills the front two compartments with water. A new service box is $17,000-$23,000 with no paint or wiring.
Discussion occurred on charging for fire calls. Councilor Grant stated her insurance pays $500 per call while Councilor Perry has no coverage. Mayor Lester stated neither of his policies will pay and he can’t add coverage to either policy. Attorney Jessup and Kennedy will work on a proposed ordinance.
Police
Chief Newman added $10,000 to overtime and budgeted for two new desktop computers. Repairs and maintenance on other equipment decreased as the Spillman lease is paid in full. The police cars are on a 3-year lease rotation. On surplus of the old vehicles, Bancorp has a flat $125 fee and he’s still waiting for ERS to get back to us. There are no animal control changes.
Revenues
City Administrator Kennedy reviewed the revenues with the council.
Budget Discussion
Discussion occurred on the request to increase the assistant chief and captain pay. Council felt it was reasonable. The Council was interested in offering health insurance to the chief. Kennedy will research to see if it is allowed by III-A.
In general, the council was in favor of the lawn mower, pickup, excavator and trailer and shop doors, but did question the cost savings if they were manual instead of electric doors. The estimated savings were about $1,000 per door if manual. The grader would come before the council during the year for approval if there are funds remaining.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
