TRUMAN– The Truman City Council had its first meeting of the new year in which new council members, Danielle Williams and Chad Truax, were sworn in. They replace outgoing councilors Brian Nickerson and Patty Truax. Jake Ebert began another term as mayor.

In other business at Tuesday’s meeting utility Foreman, Brent Brown, went over a number of updates.

Regarding an IBEW administrative assistant, Brown said he’s talked to the union about switching the position to part-time and it doesn’t see an issue with that. It will be advertised as part-time permanent and the job would be 18 to 24 hours and not to exceed 32. There would also be prorated benefits.

Council Member Ron Kelley shared that this change is being made to help get some more candidates for the position.

Next, Brown touched on the campground project. He said it is out for bid and that bidding will close on Jan. 28 and that the bids will be brought to the council on Feb. 3.

He also gave an update on the pickleball court project and said that updated quotes will likely come in at the end of this month and he could have another update at the Feb. 3 meeting as well.

Next, Brown spoke about the sale of the Jones subdivision lots and said they are waiting to hear back from the city attorney about the language for both the purchase agreement and advertisements.

Finally, the council was tasked with approving the utility rate increases for 2025 and did so at an average of 4.3 percent for all utilities.

In other action, the council:

— Approved 2025 duty assignments with the ambulance department falling under the fire department supervisor.

— Regarding public works, the council approved phasing out the load management program and replacing it with a new rebate program.

— Adopted the 2025 fees and charges schedule with some changes to the swimming pool.