Scott Mallatt reported that the Planning Commission met and continued discussion regarding container based homes. The commission will be forwarding their opinion and findings to the council for a vote very soon. Editor's note- speculation has it that they likely will be allowed in Butler, with regulation of course, as smaller homes were approved earlier this year. There will be a public hearing however, giving residents an opportunity to share their opinion.
It's that time of year where most all municipalities are holding discussions about tax levies, as is Butler. Doncella Liggins reported that the Finance Committee had met and discussed the proposed 2025 Tax Levy. The Committee voted unanimously to accept the current year tax rate ceiling and not ask for a tax increase at the local ballot. Mayor Henry then opened the Public Hearing for the 2025 Tax Levy and announced the proposed tax rates per $100.00 of 0.5573 for the General Fund, 0.0261 for the Parks Fund, and 1.0113 for the Lake Fund. The ordinance was passed, establishing the above rates.
The annual city finance audit is complete and results provided by Trout & Beeman will be revealed in the upcoming September 2nd meeting. Preliminary word is that the results will show a passing grade for the city with few recommendations.
Police Chief Jarrett Wheatley announced during his report that currently Butler is down one police officer and the search is on for a replacement. Interested applicants are urged to apply in person at the police station. He also said that codes enforcement officer Brenda Cecil is making some minor changes to streamline tasks related to codes enforcement is so far it is going well.
Jeff Hall wanted to know what the plan is to fix Prospect street in west Butler as doing the 'pothole dodge' is getting to be overbearing. The obvious issue is cost as the 12 block stretch needs total replacement of the roadbed plus asphalt however, much like Rice Road is undergoing. To properly pack the roadbed means removing current asphalt, graveling and waiting up to a year for the gravel to be properly packed by traffic before paving can be done. The issue has been tabled for now, but likely more discussion will happen at the next meeting.
Mayor Henry reported the doggie swim held at the Aquatic Center went well- he cooked up some 72 hot dogs at the event with a fair amount consumed by the four legged attendees.
Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at the Butler city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.