The Hamilton City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The following report was generated from the unofficial minutes, which are subject to board approval.
The regular meeting of the Hamilton City Council was called to order on July 23 followed by the flag salute. The council approved the bills, the amended June 9 meeting minutes and the June 16 special meeting minutes.
During Public Comments, the council discussed a second request from a property owner regarding a sewer connection after the existing sewer line collapsed. The council discussed options which included installing a new city tap, extending the sewer line, installing a septic system or obtaining an easement across private property. The council directed Clerk Daphne Rayburn to obtain a cost estimate for providing a sewer tap from the main in the alley west of Greenwood and Garfield Streets. The estimate will be presented at the next meeting for further discussion.
Treasurer Cindy Hardin presented the proposed 2026 budget and mill levy. The council discussed increasing the mill levy from 75.896 to 77.034 mills to provide a total of 5 mills for the Hamilton Fire Department. The council also discussed the estimated value of one mill and possible alternatives to increasing property taxes, including a utility fee increase and a local option sales tax. Council members expressed a preference for limiting the tax burden on property owners while continuing to evaluate additional revenue sources. After discussion, the council approved to publish the proposed budget and the required legal notice for the budget hearing scheduled for Sept. 8.
The council continued discussion regarding the proposed livestock ordinance. The ordinance was reviewed and the council updated the minimum requirements for livestock. Approval was tabled until the City Attorney completes the draft with the remaining information needed for the revisions.
The council approved Ordinance #373, which mandates essential city services (municipal water, sewage and trash services) for residents within the City of Hamilton intended for habitation to promote the health and safety of the community. It was noted that essential city services are required for residential buildings within city limits and are optional for businesses.
In Old Business, the council discussed street repair needs, including potholes and plugged drainage near the post office. Patching material is available, but the city does not currently have an employee available to perform the repairs. The council will continue using volunteer assistance to help apply the available material for street repairs.
The council also discussed repairs to the City Office, including installation of a mini-split HVAC system. Temporary measurers for the existing wall opening were discussed with permanent wall repair to be addressed at a later date. Proper condensate drainage and coordination with future wall repairs were also discussed. The council discussed obtaining additional bids but agreed to proceed with the approved quote. The council approved the bid for the mini-split in the amount of $5,875 to be installed by Burd’s Heat and Air.
Clerk Rayburn gave an update on Braxton Turner’s accident involving the city’s side-by-side, trailer and mower. A worker’s compensation claim and an insurance claim were filed. Both claims were approved and the city will continue to follow up on both throughout the process.
The Cereal Malt Beverage License and payment for 99 Line Ranch were received and filed. Clerk Rayburn presented applications for the Groundskeeper and Superintendent positions to the council for review. Discussion was held regarding the roll-off scheduling and Clerk Rayburn will check available dates for the next roll-off in late September. Rayburn will also contact JUS regarding installation of the municipal software on an additional computer, as requested by the council.
The council approved to purchase two new laptop computers, not to exceed $800 each, for the Code Enforcement Officer and Superintendent.
The council held a 15-minute executive session pursuant to discussion of groundskeeper and superintendent job applications. No action was taken after returning to open meeting. Another executive session was held for 10 minutes regarding the same subject and justification. After returning to open meeting, the council approved to combine the groundskeeper and superintendent positions into one position as City Superintendent for $25 per hour and $250 allocated for advertising on Facebook and in The Eureka Herald.
The council held a 5-minute executive session for personnel review. After returning to open meeting, the council approved a pay increase for Clerk Rayburn to $26 per hour.
The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Sept. 8.
