The September meeting for the City Council of Central City can also be a busy one as it often brings with it preparation for the next fiscal year and budget conversations. This year was no exceptions as the Council met with a full agenda and also welcomed a new face to the board as Junior Councilman Van Fasbender, a junior at Central City High School, began his duties.

The first order of business for the Council was to attack the budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year and in doing so they held multiple public hearings without any comment from the public. The numbers upon first look show a dramatic increase as the total budget is up 29.8% to just over $20.5 million. City Administrator Chris Anderson explained to the group that the increase was due almost solely to chasing federal money that is currently available for major projects that could benefit the infrastructure of Central City and that number does not indicate that the City will spend that figure of local money. The tax rate for the 202223 fiscal year will also see an increase as it rises 3.39% to $974,000.

In good news there will be a decrease in the tax levy falling 7.53% from $.44.93 to $.41.54. The Council also voted to approve the one- and six-year street plan with the only item on the one-year plan currently being a proposed paving project on a portion of 10th Avenue.

As the Council made their way through the meeting, they also voted in favor of a sale of surplus property located at 1303 14th Street. The property was placed for bid last month and only one bid was received and was approved. McHargue Builders purchased the property for a sum of $15,000.

Two Main Street Grant projects were also approved during the meeting. The first was a proposal from the Lincoln Manor to aid in the cost of new windows, doors and painting. The total cost of the project was around $24,000 and in the end $3,000 was approved. The Main Street Grant Committee recommended a reduced approval rate since multiple projects have been done at that location previously and a portion of liens were also forgiven to help with the purchase of the building. Another application was also approved during the meeting. This one coming from Magnolias Boutique who was awarded $1,500 to help with the cost of painting their building.

Nuisance properties and Special Assessments for vacant properties were also discussed as usual. Following that discussion, it was approved to close 26th Street between 23rd and 24th Avenue on September 24, from 2-8 pm for a church function.

It was then approved to purchase new security cameras for the Central City Public Library to provide better outside coverage of the location.

It was also discussed to purchase a new ambulance and also a new bucket truck with both of those items being tabled. The discussion has been brought up primarily due to the struggles of receiving those vehicles in a timely fashion.

Currently with wait times for those vehicles there is concerned that the current vehicles used by the city could no longer be certified before a replacement can be obtained. Grant money may also be available to use towards the purchase of a new ambulance.

The items will be further investigated and brought back for discussion at the October meeting. The October meeting will be held on October 17, at 7:00 pm at City Hall.