Special COUNCIL MEETING
April 1st, 2024
The City Council of the City of Fayette, Iowa, met Monday, April 1st, at 5:30 pm in the Community Room at the Fayette Community Library under the law and rules of said council, Mayor Post presiding.
Roll call: Present - Council members Potratz, Larson, Scott, Luchsinger Absent: Lowery.
Motion Potratz and Seconded Larson to approve the agenda. Roll Call. All Ayes, motion carried.
Being the time for a public hearing on the property tax levy, Mayor Post opened the floor for comment on the property tax levy. City Administrator/Clerk Hawes read aloud a letter to the council and mayor from retired city administrator/clerk, Christie Dennis, objecting to the tax levy, requesting clarification to the justification for the increase in the property tax levy, and recommending that the city look into contracting law enforcement through the county Sheriff’s office. Hawes stated that the justification for the increase posted in the property tax levy notice was incorrect, an error on his part. The actual justification for the increase in property tax is due to increased property valuations, increased insurance costs, and increased employee benefits. Danielle Cushion of Fayette inquired about how contracting with the Sherriff’s office would affect the response time to calls. Chief Davis responded that the response time would be approximately 25 minutes for response time. Cushion stated that as a daughter of law enforcement officers, it is known that the presence of law enforcement is a deterrent of crime. Mayor Post stated that there haven’t been any discussions about following through on the request from Dennis.
After calling for any additional comments on the property tax levy hearing and receiving none, Post asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion Larson, Seconded Luchsinger to close the public hearing. All ayes. Mayor Post declared the public hearing closed.
Motion Potratz to adjourn. With no objections, Mayor Post declared the meeting adjourned at 5:43pm.
