Staff writer
With no one in attendance to question the three-mill tax hike proposed by Peabody City Council, the 2016 budget was approved in near record time.
Council members noted they had no negative comments from constituents about the increase.
“The only comments I got were from people who agreed it needed to be done and one who thought we should have raised it more,” councilman Travis Wilson said. “No one said it should have been lowered or stayed the same.”
Council members approved the budget unanimously.
The regularly scheduled city council meeting followed the budget hearing.
Jim Philpott was appointed by Mayor Larry Larsen to fill a position as city representative to Peabody-Burns Recreation Commission.
Wilson said the Safe Kids Camp committee will bring a circus to Peabody City Park in September as a fund raiser for the annual Safe Kids Camp at Peabody-Burns Elementary School each spring. The circus will be in Peabody for two days. Final determination on dates has not yet been made.
Council members approved a request from Peabody Historical Society to reserve the DeForest shelter house at City Park on August 29 for a musical program and meal.
City Clerk Stephanie Lago reported a letter and photographs have been sent by certified mail to W.J. Germaine about the deteriorating swimming pool liner. The liner was installed in May and Germaine’s contract states the work is guaranteed for 15 years. Lago has not received a reply.