A Fourth of July without fireworks? One of the bigger agenda items at this week’s Toledo City Council meeting was the possibility of no longer having fireworks due to budget cuts. While trying to cut costs, the city decided to weigh the pros and cons of continuing this time-honored tradition. At least one citizen, among those present, made an impassioned plea to keep the fireworks.

“City budgets are tough this year, especially with the proposals floating through the Iowa Legislature. We are looking at every line item to see where we can cut. The cost of fireworks has doubled over the past few years, with the current budget amount of $16,000. The discussion wasn’t necessarily cutting fireworks all together but exploring ways to share the cost. I’d really like to know the community’s thoughts, please reach out to City Hall,” Mayor Brian Sokol said.

Sam Ferriss talked to the council about expanding his Rusty Ridge Campground into city limits. Ferriss was thinking about making the lot behind Norton’s Greenhouse into a lot for RVs to set up. The Nortons are opposed to the idea. The council approved sending this to the Board of Adjustments.

Toledo Officer Eric Dickinson resigned from the Toledo Police Department to take a position with the Iowa State University Police Department as the Captain of Investigations and Threat Assessment. The council approved his resignation and approved starting the hiring process.

The public works department reported having some water main breaks lately and trimming trees. EMS reported having 80 ambulance runs for January and having to send unit #132 to the shop for some work.

Toledo Police Chief Dan Quigley reported that between Jan. 26 and Feb. 8, they received 89 calls for service and made three arrests. Toledo City Economic Development Director Katherine Ollendieck reported working on multiple projects.

The Toledo City Clerk reported working on the budget.