This week’s Tama City Council meeting started with the tepid bang of the mayor’s gavel that quieted the assemblage of citizens. First up was a public hearing for and the approval of a resolution to enter into a general obligation corporate purpose loan. This loan is to cover three projects, the culvert project for $3.2 million, the fire truck for $450,000, and the library for $300,000.

Another public hearing was held soon after, this time regarding ordinance 707. This was in regard to putting the nuisance official under the public works department instead of under the city clerk’s office. The council approved the ordinance change then waived the second and third readings.

The council received an update from Tama County Economic Development Director Katherine Ollendieck.

The council approved to waive a lien for 305 E. 3rd St. in the approximate amount of $7,000. The owners have two years to rehab the property or they will have to pay the original lien.

Summer help was approved to be hired. Melanie Messerli was hired on as a plant waterer at $15 an hour. Aiden Wilkens was hired on as a general helper at $16 an hour.

Wyatt Crain was hired as the new nuisance official at a starting wage of $20 an hour.

In the first quarter of 2025, $174,484.09 was brought in with EMS transfers, and the quarterly 10% transfer came out to $17,448.41.

The council approved going with Hardon’s to replace a water furnace for $5,880.

The council also opened the single bid received to do the council and lounge room updates. As the bid was higher than they expected, they approved rejecting the bid but possibly working with the bidder to do a few select improvements instead of the whole of both rooms.

The council approved the Tama Fire Chief and Mayor to be able to accept a bid for the fire truck when it is officially received.