Chanute City Commissioners were very thankful during their short regular meeting before the holiday break on Monday, Commissioners Kevin Berthot and Tim Egner were absent.
Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, including giving Main Street Chanute permission to hold the 34th annual Christmas parade of lights on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 pm.
City Manager Todd Newman reminded commissioners in his report that city offices would be closed today and would reopen Monday, Dec. 1. He also reported that he had reached an agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or IBW. The IBW represents 78 city employees. Newman reported that no grievances had been filed with the union in the last three years, so very little had changed from the previous contract. Union members will receive a 3% cost-of-living raise each year for the next 3 years. Newman said that it had been one of the easiest negotiations since he became city manager.
“I’d like to thank all the city staff,” he said. “They make this job really easy.”
The City voted to expand its boundaries through a new city boundary resolution, specifically to include the new agricultural building at Chanute High School. City attorney David Brake explained that the new boundary resolution would serve the dual purpose of annexing the new building and correcting an error in the legal description of the city limits. Newman noted it was the first boundary expansion in his tenure as city manager. Brake noted that it would benefit Chanute electric customers who currently live outside of city boundaries, who pay a higher rate than customers in town because of the elimination of the city tax mil levy.
“If you annex, you get no additional tax burden, but you do save on your utilities,” Brake said.
City Commissioners also voted to publish a hearing date for 2025 budget amendments to stay in compliance with state law. Newman explained that the budgeting process begins 18 months in advance so some adjustments are to be expected. He noted that every year they have had fewer amendments.
“Last year we had 12 amendments, this year we have nine,” he said.
In commissioner comments, both Larry Taylor and Tim Fairchild wished their constituents and city employees a happy Thanksgiving, and to enjoy their time off. Mayor Jacob LaRue commented on the current local charity drives.
“I think there are a lot of good campaigns going on in our community,” he said. “A lot of neighbors helping neighbors.”
