By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on April 13, a public hearing was held regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. No written or verbal comments were received, so the hearing promptly closed.
During the public comments portion of the meeting, Carla Wood spoke regarding the council’s consideration of allowing Lutheran Church of Hope to build a church in what is currently zoned as “Light Industrial District” at 1200 East Main St. During the March 9 council meeting, the council voted to begin the process of amending the ordinance to allow the church.
Wood asked, “Is that considered a business park?’
City Administrator Lisa Grossman answered that the area is currently designated for business uses. Wood advocated for not amending the ordinance, so the lot would be available for potential future business purposes.
“We all know our coffers seem to shrink, and we’re all fighting for that small pie of money sometimes,” Wood said.
Later in the meeting, the council approved the first reading of the proposed amendment to the ordinance.
Jen Smith (Public Financial Management) presented information to the council regarding recommendations on the city’s utility rates.
The council approved an Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption for 219 West Clay St. (Mike and Rhonda Stark).
The next regular meeting is set for Monday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m. 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#).