Stewart resigns from city council
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Councilman Jordan Stewart announced his resignation from the Mount Ayr City Council Monday evening.
Stewart and his family are moving outside the city limits, making him ineligible to serve. His last meeting will be in May.
Stewart’s departure from the council leaves them with two options. They can appoint someone to fill Stewart’s position which expires in January, or hold a special election to fill out the remainder of his term. A decision by the council on which option to take will be on the agenda at the next council meeting.
The council also held the public forum for approval of the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.
No one from the public spoke and the budget was approved on a unanimous vote.
Joe Routh, Vice President of the Ringgold County Sportsman Club was present to ask the council to increase funding for the group from $20,000 per year to $24,000. The club maintains the Loch Ayr Lake property.
Routh also asked the city for almost $3,000 for one half the cost to repair the shelter house near the playground at the lake.
The council approved the increase in annual funding and will put the proposal to help repair the shelter house on the next agenda.
On a narrow 3-2 vote the council approved a funding proposal for the Ringgold County Economic Development Commission with Mack Greene and Ken Robertson voting no. The REDC will continue to receive $12,000 per year from the city.
The council accepted the resignation of City Attorney Erin Hardisty without discussion.
The council delayed any possible plans on the lighting project at the city airport as the only bid for the project came in at $187,000, far above budget and estimates.
After a lengthy discussion, the council approved city administrator Brent Wise to advertising for a full time position with the city. A number of staffing plans going forward are still being discussed.
Wise also informed the council that the city will be renting a pothole patching machine for at least three weeks beginning May 15.
