Middletown council approves appointments, equipment purchases and budget adjustments; names acting city manager permanent

Middletown City Council approved a slate of routine and emergency measures at its March 4 meeting, including personnel confirmations, equipment purchases, budget appropriations for water projects and police technology, and the appointment of Acting City Manager Ashley Combs as permanent city manager following an executive session.

The council approved consent-agenda items confirming conditional appointments to the police and public-works ranks and confirming the appointment of Ethan Harness as public works superintendent. On the motion agenda the council reappointed Bill Becker and Joan Newland to two-year terms on the Renaissance Area District New Community Authority board for terms ending Oct. 2, 2026, and approved the purchase of a backhoe loader and an articulated wheel loader from Southwest of South Eastern Equipment Company, Inc., for a combined total of $281,466.88 ($102,722.80 and $178,744.08 respectively). Council members voted in favor…