J Rhett Parker

The City Council held public hearings and meetings to discuss the 2025-2026 budget and tax rate. Key items included increasing ad valorem tax for law enforcement, adjusting sales tax revenue due to the new prison commissary, and addressing changes in franchise fees and landfill revenue. Expenditure adjustments were made for law enforcement, code enforcement, downtown revitalization, and swimming pool repairs. The Water and Sewer Fund saw increases in revenue due to the prison reopening and adjustments to employee salaries and equipment. The Dalby Unit's return significantly aids the water and sewer department, while the General Fund faces revenue challenges.

The council meeting included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered the minutes from the November 12, 2024 meeting and invoices received in January 2025. The re-appointment of David Nichols and Delbert Rudd to the White River Board was approved. A resolution was adopted to award an administration contract for the Resilient Communities Program (RCP) grant. A project workshop addressed several infrastructure issues: replacing missing street signs, addressing grass and weeds, paving roads in the cemetery, and repairing playground equipment at the park.

The council will discuss and potentially take action on several items, including approval of the consent agenda (minutes from the January 14, 2025 meeting and invoices for February 2025), action needed for the baseball park and possible grant, ordering the May 2025 election, a bid for the farm lease and a new contract with Rusty Morris, and the city manager's financial report. An executive session will be held to discuss personnel matters concerning the Code Enforcement Director. Following the executive session, the council will reconvene to take any action concerning personnel matters.

The council meeting involved updates from the Sheriff regarding area law enforcement and from the Public Works director about ongoing projects. Discussion and potential approval of a zoning variance application, a resolution regarding the city's investment policy, and the city's bank depository were on the agenda. The resignation of a councilwoman and the appointment of her replacement were also discussed, along with a budget workshop.

The council will hold public hearings on substandard structures and public nuisances at 216 East 3rd and 710 W. 13th. Orders regarding these properties will be considered. The agenda also includes a city manager workshop, an update from Sheriff Morgan on area law enforcement activities, and a city manager financial report. Other items include approval of consent agenda items, and consideration of actions related to substandard structures and public nuisances.