The Loogootee City Council held a special meeting on December 30, addressing various financial and operational matters as the year comes to a close.
Highlights from the meeting included:
Budget Clarifications: Council members approved claims, allowances, and internal budget transfers to ensure all 2024 appropriations were properly allocated.
New Dispatcher Role: Discussions clarified the full-time status of a Police Department dispatcher position approved for the 2025 budget.
Employee Gym Memberships: The council confirmed a 50/50 cost-sharing plan for city employees only, excluding council members or other non-staff individuals.
ARPA Fund Allocations: With a December 31 deadline, the council finalized allocations of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, totaling nearly $191,000. Notable expenditures included:
$25,000 for South Side Fire Station concrete replacement.
$17,700 for new police department tasers.
$33,000 toward a new police vehicle.
$7,151 for fire department AEDs and $7,284 for thermal imaging equipment.
$25,000 in donations to the city pool and various upgrades across city departments.
Council members approved these allocations and reviewed progress on projects such as the pavilion and city demolition efforts. The meeting adjourned with wishes for a Happy New Year.
