During this week’s Tama City Council meeting Jimmy Hicklin with Tama EMS brought up his car. He was talking about how the Tama County Supervisors approved the donation of a Tama County Sheriff’s Office squad vehicle to Tama EMS. Hicklin joked that he was getting a 2025 Tahoe, but in reality, the donation vehicle will be an old used cruiser that would have otherwise gone to auction, not that he wouldn’t gladly have taken the 2025 Tahoe. This donated vehicle will be used as a fast response vehicle to get to 911 calls faster than the ambulance, and where emergency services can begin initiating help quicker. After Hicklin fielded questions from the council, the council approved accepting the donation.

The council also discussed a mortgage, deciding to release the old mortgage on the vacant lot on Third Street before approving a special assessment waiver for John Jacoby for the lot.

Next up, the council approved an economic development loan to Flex Fitness for repairs.

Talking sewer, the council approved moving forward with purchasing the aerator and rail systems that are currently being rented. This purchase is budgeted.

In an already did it, asking for forgiveness gesture, the council approved the purchase of a mower to be used for the Nuisance and Street departments, even though they’ve already bought it.

On the subject of the 5th Street realignment project, the council approved the third payment and a second change order. The second change order is in regard to fixing the compaction after a failed test.

On the subject of the fire department, several new programs were discussed and implemented. The first was LOSAP, a point system-based retirement plan for volunteer firefighters. The council approved the program. Secondly discussed was a retention plan that is a meeting-based program, for those who regularly attend the firemen meetings.

The council discussed the 2025 Haunted Hayrack Ride. Volunteers are needed to help and scare. The tentative date for the hayride is Oct. 25.

The council approved paying out 25.25 hours of vacation to Tama Police Chief Jason Bina.