Licking Board of Aldermen approves new budget

The Licking City Council assembled for their April meeting on Tuesday, April 14, at the Council Chambers of City Hall. Among items addressed at the meeting was the amended budget for the previous fiscal year (4/1/25-3/31/26) and the new budget for the current fiscal year (4/1/26-3/31/27), both of which were approved by the Board of Aldermen.

After approval of the agenda, aldermen Joe Dillard and Linda Breedlove recited their oaths of office. Both incumbents ran unopposed for their seats in the April General Municipal Election.

Aldermen approved the March minutes, March financials, April tentative payables and the March court review.

Steve Jackson, of Bartlett & West Engineering, provided updates on the potable water project. The tower has been painted and logos placed. The final inspection of the painting was completed the day of the meeting. Caldwell Tanks needs to make a few corrections on the tower, and the electrician hopes to be finished with providing power to it by April 25. A fence will need to be installed around the tower, and the City requested it be done before the rodeo on May 29-30. The wellhouse has been staked out and construction is planned to begin the week after the meeting. Work on water lines continues. A well plugging grant for well 5 near Prescott Road has been tentatively approved but is not finalized. There will be a matching portion of the grant for which the City will be responsible.

The delinquent tax list was discussed. The board asked City Administrator/Clerk Rhonda Kirkwood to identify those on the list owing less than $10 for later review.

Department Head Reports:

LPD Chief Pat Burton: The department is close to getting the replacement glass for repair of damages to their building. The safety glass protecting the receptionist area held during the incident and did not allow access to the secure part of the building. Chief Burton complimented the City on a good response and great team effort related to the incident, with City staff assisting that evening with securing the building after damages were caused. Sensors are being sought which could alert to glass breaking, or cameras may be upgraded to send an alert if someone is trying to enter the building.

Superintendent of Utilities Donnie Trout: The culverts on North Main Street have been placed, and some dirt and concrete work continues. After crews finish the spring cleanup, the pool has to be cleaned before the pool company gets here to prepare it for opening. Maggi is crossing the creek with the water line, and Supt. Trout recommended the line be encased in concrete to prevent damage to it in case of flooding. The board agreed with his recommendation and Steve Jackson advised that a change order needs to be signed to make that change.

LFD Chief Bobby Hearty: The fire department met with the public at the SCCC Easter Egg Hunt at Old City Park. Four junior firefighters have joined the department. Chief Hearty addressed previously expressed concerns regarding the exposure of junior firefighters to hazardous situations, and assured the council that they will not be allowed to respond to calls that could be hazardous to their physical or mental health. The city’s insurance is aware of their ages, and parent permission slips have been obtained. Other people have also joined the department.

City Admin./Clerk Kirkwood: The Texas County Library-Licking branch project is up and rolling. Companies to complete the grant work are being scored to make a selection. Computer updates are underway, and just in time, as one of the office computers recently crashed. Butzer installed new AC units/air handlers at the nursing home. The park grant is coming along and Admin. Kirkwood is optimistic that it will be received. The slide restoration is complete at the pool. Supt. Trout asked if they should install a metal or tarp roof at the top, and recommended a metal roof. The board agreed. Admin. Kirkwood asked the board if they wanted to allow a break on the summer sewer bills to those who request it due to water use that does not return to the sewers (filling pools, watering gardens, etc.) and the board approved the program for this year. A fall at Deerlick Park was submitted to MIRMA. The City leveled the spot where the fall occurred. Harold Sullins was the only one who bid on the hay from the hayfield near the treatment plant. Admin. Kirkwood and Utilities Clerk Gary Hassel will be attending the MIRMA convention, which is mandatory for the City to attend. The Brightspeed project, which involved laying fiber in town and which rejected coordination efforts made by the City resulted in a waterline leak. Brightspeed says they will fix the leak.

In other discussions, Chief Burton explained that the burnt house on Beth Street has not been released yet by the State Fire Marshal, so cleanup has been delayed.

A complaint was made about the fence at the corner of Dogwood Street and Maple Avenue, but there is currently no ordinance to prevent the owners from covering the fence in black plastic.

Grass mowing was discussed. If residents don’t mow their yards or parts of their yard, after citations, the City will mow it, with the cost of the mowing added to the individual’s tax bill. Mayor Ogden suggested that the City contract with a bonded/insured mowing company to do the work, which would free up the City workers’ time to complete other projects.

A discussion of a job description for an Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development person was resumed. Board members received a copy of a job description from Mayor Ogden. Discussion included the necessity of the position, the cost of the position, whether the budget could withstand it, and whether it could be a part-time position. The board agreed to table the issue until May to determine whether a full-time versus part-time position was needed and if it could be afforded.