At the March 2 regular meeting, city council members acted to change agencies holding several city accounts, authorized application for the sewer grant project, and hired two police officers.
City Treasurer Susan McSperritt was authorized to establish four additional money market accounts at United Community Bank: General Consolidated 2, Reserve Account Loan 5, Depreciation Account Loan 3, and Reserved Account Loan 3.
Following that approved motion, the council authorized McSperritt to withdraw all funds from LLCU (Lincoln Land Credit Union) savings accounts Reserve Account Loan 5, Depreciation Account Loan 3, and Reserve Account Loan 3 and deposit these funds in money market accounts bearing the same title in the United Community Bank.
Benton Engineering was approved to apply for a Community Project Funding Grant through offices of Congresswoman Mary Miller for a planned sewer project with focus on a new lift station. The project is estimated to run between $1.2 and $1.7 million. The city will need to resolve easement issues with two property owners in order for the project to progress. While the city has been investigating a loan from USDA for the improvements, council members wanted to explore the possible of obtaining grant funds from Miller's Community Project Assistance program.
Two police officers — Chris Davis and Tim Edwards — were hired for the police department. They will need to meet all city requirements, and Davis will need to complete the required police training. Former police chief Andy Jackson's resignation was accepted. This was largely a paperwork issue since a letter had not been requested or received from him after current police chief Gary Smith was hired.
In other business, the council approved purchasing a flashing light warning system for the sides of the police chief's vehicle to include installation estimated at $1,350. The council also approved purchasing a handheld radar system for the police car at a cost of $926.28 but will defer acquisition until the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The council heard first reading of Ordinance 2026-03 amending the city code 24-82(c) to allow use of a non-highway vehicle (NHV) (golf cart, ATV, etc.) under demonstrated extenuating circumstances. They then waived second reading and adopted the ordinance. In addition, the council reviewed and approved a written request from a resident to waive restrictions on the NHV policy.
The council also heard first reading of Ordinance 2026-02 to amend city code section 1-2-25 concerning changing the dollar amount for bonding of city officials.
Again, second reading was waived, and the ordinance adopted.
