Staff writer
Peabody City Council had a public hearing before its regularly scheduled meeting Monday night to allow the public to comment on the proposed 2014 budget. City administrator Shane Marler presented the budget. No one from the community was present to comment.
The council adopted the 2014 budget, which included a 0.2-percent property tax decrease — a decrease of about $1.39 on a typical $85,000 home.
In other business:
- Pool manager Beth Peter told the council that sheriff’s deputy Travis Wilson would like to use the pool for a day for water rescue training with law enforcement dogs. The swimming pool closed Aug. 9. After discussion, council members approved the request.
- Marler has asked public works employees to be more aggressive with mosquito spraying due to the amount of water still standing after recent drenching rains.
- Marler updated the council on the collapse of a portion of the roof on one of the Baker buildings and the problems he has had keeping the water out during heavy rains.
- A softball tournament at the park during the past weekend was discussed. Council members heard the organizers did a good job of cleanup.
- The council, Mayor Larry Larsen, and Marler went into a 15-minute executive session to discuss trade secrets. No action was taken on return to open session.
- The council, Larsen, and Marler went into a 20-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. On return to open session, Marler read a letter resigning his position as city administrator. The resignation was accepted by the council.
The next meeting of Peabody City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 26 in the city building.