City Council approves projects

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant City Council met in regular session Wednesday, March 22 to approve projects and shifts in fire department personnel along with other city business.

According to City Administrator Brent Schleisman, this council meeting counted toward one of the two public hearings required for the city to approve a resolution for the maximum property tax dollars for the affected levy.

“Our maximum ask this year would be $3,118,483,” Schleisman said. “Our next public hearing will set the actual tax rate. It could be different, but can't go any higher as far as income coming from property taxes in general.”

The council voted to approve a proposal for the Public Works drain replacement.

According to the City Council Agenda preview, “This motion would approve hiring Barton Construction to repair the main drain in the Public Works Department Building.”

“Probably five, six years ago we put a Band-Aid on it, trying to make it survive and it's now that time to do something about it,” City Public Works Official Rick Mullin said. “So Barton Construction gave us a quote.”

The bid from Barton came in at $16,500.

“I think the last time we had this bid, 10 years ago, it was more than that,” Mullin said. “So, it’s a pretty good bid moving forward.”

According to Mullin this work could begin as soon as next week.

Upon the recommendation of Fire Chief Drew Schumacher Tony Skow will serve on the Firefighter Reserves Unit, William Bensmiller will move to Deputy Fire Chief, and Nicholas Ettinger will take on the position of Captain of the Fire Department.

When the council meets again April 12 at 5:30 p.m., they will hold a public hearing for the city’s proposed overall budget for fiscal year 2024.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com