By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Panora City Council met in regular session on Monday, Nov. 25 and approved the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Urban Renewal Report. The council also approved Resolution 24-43, obligating funds from the Urban Renewal Tax Revenue Fund for appropriation. Mayor Curt Thornberry summarized how the funds will be used.
“Just for clarification, the two are the downtown and then the new clinic,” Thornberry said. “We’ll be doing a $120,000 payment for the downtown and up to a $92,000 payment for the clinic on the east side of town.”
In light of Kim Finnegan’s upcoming retirement as library director, discussion was held about the benefits package that will be offered when the position is filled. Mayor Thornberry explained that the position is now considered to be a 27.5-hour per week position. City Administrator Lisa Grossman said Finnegan has been in the position for more than 25 years, and “Times have changed; benefits have changed.” She suggested offering half of the benefits that the city gives to fulltime staff. After discussion, the council approved this plan.
The council discussed the annual support request for the Region XII COG (Council of Government) Housing Trust Fund Program. Thornberry said he has seen that the citizens who have benefitted appear to have been individuals and families that truly needed such a program. The council voted to again give $1,000.
The next regular meeting of the Panora City Council is set for Monday, Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).