GAS — Darrel Catron, Gas mayor since 1997, will seek re-election for another four years in the spring city-school election. He made the announcement at Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
Two council seats also will be filled, one held by Mark Henry — he was not at the meeting — and a second vacated when Iris Neuenswander moved from town. Council members also serve four years.
Catron is completing a four-year term on the USD 257 Board of Education, as well. He has not decided whether to seek re-election to that governing body.
In yearly appointments, the Iola Register and Citizens Bank remained the city’s official newspaper and bank, and George Grisier will continue as president of the council, which mainly means he takes charge when Catron is absent.
An old mobile home owned by the city and situated on South Main Street was purchased by Bill Hillbrant. His bid of $501 was the higher of two. Hillbrant said he intended to convert the 26-foot-by-36-foot structure to a workshop.
Catron noted Iola would raise wholesale water rates on Jan. 1 by 1.7 percent, based on the Social Security cost of living adjustment index. Council members said they likely would pass along the increase early in 2013.
City Clerk Rhonda Hill said she had an inquiry from a resident about purchase of a half lot belonging to Gas directly behind City Hall.
“Let’s think about that,” Catron concluded, after brief discussion.
The only other action was to issue a 2013 cereal malt beverage license for Pump-N-Pete’s convenience store and approve the city bearing the cost of a Christmas dinner for employees.
Gas mayor will seek re-election
