This week, the sparse faction of citizens that showed up were presented with a two-for-one deal on Toledo City Council meetings. The first meeting up was a public hearing on the property tax levy for FY26. A single solitary citizen spoke up with comments and discussion on the subject.

After the hearing whimpered out, the second, regular old council meeting started up. A public hearing for the FY26 budget was set for April 14.

Shayna Zmolek, president of the pool board for the Tama-Toledo Aquatic Center, spoke before the council about an increase in funds. A record low of fifteen lifeguards applied to work at the pool this year and the reason is money. From 2016 to 2021 teenage lifeguards earned approximately $9 an hour, in 2022 this was increased to $10.75. However, according to Zmolek’s presentation, this is still well below the local average wage given to teenage employees. Zmolek asked for $47,000, split between Tama and Toledo to increase employee wages and hopefully entice more people to apply. The council approved paying their half.

An emergency power connection cabinet for the company Aureon was approved to be placed.

The fence for the North Ballfield at Toledo Heights Park was approved to be moved in from sixty feet to twenty feet to match the other ballfield and accommodate junior players. The approval is contingent on getting an updated bid from the fence contractor, who has been previously used for a similar project.

Toledo spring clean up was approved for April 23 and 24th.

The council reluctantly approved a detour recommended by the Iowa DOT for Highway 63 and Business 30. This is for a culvert project set to take place in May of 2026.

Police Chief Dan Quigley was approved to carry over 40 hours of his unused vacation time.

The council approved writing off delinquent utility accounts which can’t be collected upon in preparation of software migration.

The clerk was approved to attend the IMFOA Spring Conference from April 9th through the 11th.

The public works department reported to have started working on the pool and having the new boiler installed, and an umbrella was repaired. New playground equipment is starting to be installed down at the park.

Toledo Police Chief Quigley reported that between March 10th and 23rd, they responded to 92 calls to service and affected three arrests. Three search warrants were also executed. The chief talked about locating, retrieving, and having a suspect in custody for a stolen trailer in 36 hours. The Durango has a blown head gasket and is back at Thys, while the Tahoe is experiencing some oil trouble.

Toledo Council member Cathy Cook mentioned wanting to invite Rep. Dean Fisher (R-Montour) to answer questions about ongoing issues, and legislation.