At their March 2 meeting, the Clarion City Council held a public hearing on their maximum property tax rate. For the second year per Iowa code, all cities are required to pass a resolution establishing their maximum property tax dollars for certain levies. The “Maximum Levy” applies to certain individual levies that the city uses, which total up to the overall tax levy. But it should be noted that not all levies are included in this calculation. The law created a 2% threshold that applies to the revenue derived from certain levies.
After the public hearing, the council approved the 2.14% maximum levy increase, up from 1.99% last year. Explanation for the increases note that insurance rates and public safety wages have increased. City officials added at the meeting though that the overall levy is actually going down. Stay tuned to the Monitor in the upcoming week for more on the city’s budget.
Another public hearing was held to submit a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for the upcoming water treatment plant project. As the public hearing announcements stated, the project will be funded with a combination of CDBG funds and a USDA loan. It is estimated that total project costs will be $7,469,151. The City is requesting $600,000 in CDBG funds for the proposed project. A resolution to submit the grant application was approved, as was a resolution committing the city to providing matching funds if they should receive the grant.
A resolution entering into a contract with ISG Engineering for their work toward the water treatment plant was also okayed. Kelly Evans, ISG Engineer, was on hand to apprise the council of an opportunity to use some existing CDBG grant money. The city still has $97,000 in grant funds available to them from the water main project. Evans and Public Works Director Jon DeVries have been discussing completing 3 ½ blocks more of water main work near the hospital and care center to use those funds in addition to the city covering some of the costs. Evans said they will continue to explore that opportunity.
A pay request for $46,698.17 going to Voltmer Inc. for upcoming work to the airport was approved. The airport will soon be getting new lighting. Due to the CARES Act, this project is 100% covered by government funds.
The council also discussed how to move forward on their judgement against Che Hanson to clean up various properties. The judgment said that work needed to be completed by March 1 or the city can clean it up and charges will be assessed to the property owner. Though various councilmembers reported that progress is being made, they also directed City Administrator Clint Middleton to seek bids to have that work completed by contractors.
In individual reports, various officials spoke about recent speculation on social media regarding the legitimacy of the mayor due to questions about his residency. Though Mayor Duane Asbe has a house outside of town, he also keeps a residence in Clarion. Asbe explained he had spoken to the previous and current city attorneys about this and it was not deemed to be a problem. He added, “I will continue to give my best effort to this job and give my heart and soul to this community.” Councilmembers reiterated their support for Asbe, as did Middleton. Middleton emphasized that the city will continue to use social media as a way to inform the public but has no plans to use it to enter into a dialogue or address rumors.
