Witt council appoints new treasurer in July meeting

WITT (Heartland Newsfeed) — Just as quickly as the City of Witt lost their treasurer, a sworn-in replacement was appointed in the Witt City Council’s monthly meeting on July 24.

City treasurer Rebecca Martin resigned from her position via communication with mayor Greta Akers with a formal letter of resignation presented before the council. Via unanimous vote, Sonia Hodson was appointed and sworn in as interim treasurer. As a result of the vacancy, no treasurer’s report was available for the meeting, although bills were approved.

Police and fire reports were presented by police chief Scott Woods and fire chief Tom Rogers. While nothing was mentioned publicly by the council about the police report, Rogers noted 25 combined calls in his fire report – 14 EMS and 11 fire calls. Eight of the EMS calls were in Witt with the remaining six being in Irving. Of the 11 fire calls, three were in Witt, with six rural calls and two mutual aid calls in Fillmore and Litchfield. Both reports were approved.

The city received their share of the municipal utility tax for the month of June, which was in the amount of $2,900.89.

City attorney Chris Sherer was in attendance to discuss additional details on the employee handbook, which has been in serious need of updating. A committee meeting to go through the handbook into more detail was set for August 14, as there were some issues that needed resolution regarding retirement among other aspects of the handbook.

The council has opted to indefinitely table any further actions on the county hazard mitigation grants.

Some residents were in attendance regarding billing issues related to water leaks, who spoke during public comments. They remained in attendance as the council was considering a revision to the current water ordinance regarding leaks. The proposed revision for motion was to forgive sewer charges for major water leaks presented to City Hall for forgiveness for leaks taking place since January. The motion was approved.

Among other business:

• Minutes from the June meeting were approved.
• A final reimbursement request by Bill Whitlow from Prairie Engineers was approved in the amount of $226,104.03 for the railroad project that took place a couple months ago.
• An ordinance formally combining the duties of city clerk and water collector was approved.

With no other business up for discussion, the council adjourned at 8:15 p.m. All council members were present.