Iola’s budget cash balances are “stable and healthy” following an eventful 2014, City Administrator Carl Slaugh said. AMONG THE other highlights: IN ADDITION, the city’s property tax collections were down, as were court fines and fees. Meanwhile, the city’s sales tax collections were up in 2014, Slaugh said. COUNCIL members also approved, 7-0, the hiring of Tristan Roegner within Iola’s Fire/EMS department and accepted the resignation of Sheila Sigg from the city’s utility office and Danielle McNaught from the Fire/EMS department. McNaught indicated a willingness to stay with the city on a part-time basis, Slaugh said.
Slaugh gave City Council members a rundown Monday of activities within each of Iola’s departments.
Among the highlights was the city’s takeover of countywide ambulance service.
After months of haggling with county commissioners, the two sides have since amended the original EMS contract that now has Allen County paying Iola $1 million annually for the service.
Slaugh said the city has taken a closer look at its call-back procedures to determine how much it affects overtime costs. He also said the Fire Department, which provides the service, would be best staffed with three nine-member crews, or 27 in all.
Fire Chief Tim Thyer told the Council in January he preferred to see 10-man crews.
— The Police Department saw a 46-percent drop in burglary offenses in 2014, and other violent crimes were at their lowest level in a decade, Slaugh said.
The announcement followed recognition by AAA of Kansas in giving Iola a traffic safety award for the third consecutive year.
Jim Hanni, representing AAA, lauded the city’s patrol measures, as well as its educational programs through “Click It Or Ticket” or other seat belt programs with Iola High School. He also pointed to the city’s bicycle safety rodeos and its portable speed trailer to improve traffic safety.
— The city’s utility office has recently adopted a newer software program as part of a larger effort to entice customers to begin using online or automatic bill paying.
— The Parks Department experienced one of “the most amazing community involvement projects of this magnitude” in Berkley Kerr’s 30 years as a city employee, with the opening of the Mothers of Miracles (MOMs) playground area.
The play set features a variety of slides, swings and other attractions geared to disabled users, but available for children of all ages.
Kerr applauded the collaborative effort between the group of citizens, Iola Kiwanis and other supporters for the effort.
— The gas, water and sewer crews each laid several thousand feet of new lines for their respective departments.
— The Street and Alley Department installed a new sidewalk connecting all of North State Street to Iola Walmart and assisted with resurfacing of U.S. 54 on the east edge of town in 2014.
He touched briefly on the increased transfers from the electric department reserves to cover shortfalls in the EMS funds.
“Overall, our cash balances are stable and healthy,” Slaugh said. “If we don’t have any calamities, we’ll be OK.”
Lyndon Kern received a promotion within Iola’s water plant. Four other employees received pay raises following annual evaluations.
Iola Council looks back at eventful 2014
