At the Tuesday, October 6 meeting of the Clarion City Council, the group heard from accountant Larry Pump regarding the city’s audit findings for the last fiscal year. Pump noted that the process went better this year, thanks to the staff having more experience. He did highlight various “comments,” which are areas the city needs to work on. For more detailed information on the audit, see the press release on page 4 of the Monitor.
A couple public hearings were planned or held. One was scheduled for next meeting regarding the proposed sale of real estate at 410 S. Main Street. A hearing was held to enter into a water revenue loan and disbursement agreement. This is for the water main project that the city is currently undertaking. At the end of the hearing, a resolution was passed approving the issuance and securing the payment of $1,036,000 in water revenue bonds. A CDBG grant for $600,000 is also contributing to the project.
City Administrator Clint Middleton and Clarion Ambulance Director Jennifer Littlejohn explained the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) Program that the city is hoping to participate in. The Iowa Department of Human Service’s website explains that the GEMT is a voluntary program that allows publicly owned or operated emergency ground ambulance transportation providers to receive supplemental payments that cover the difference between a provider’s actual costs per GEMT transport and the Medicaid base payment, mileage and other sources of reimbursement.
Littlejohn noted that there is always a shortage between what the city bills out and it gets back from Medicaid billed ambulance calls. This program can help make up the difference in that cost. The council was very interested in the program and will vote participating next meeting.
In reports, Police Chief Steve Terhark informed the council that Officer Dan Watkins will be moving on from the Clarion PD.
The council set the date and time for Clarion trick or treating for Saturday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m.
