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Johnston City Council adopts golf-cart rules, approves mayor and council pay increase and $1.58M in claims
Summary
At its meeting, the Johnston City Council adopted an ordinance regulating golf carts on city streets, approved a compensation ordinance for the mayor and council that the mayor said he will not sign, and approved claims totaling $1,582,948.22.
The Johnston City Council voted to adopt local rules for golf-cart operation, approved a pay increase for the mayor and council and authorized payment of $1,582,948.22 in city claims.
Council voted to advance and adopt ordinance No. 11-40 (golf-cart regulations) and to waive the third-reading requirement, allowing immediate publication. The council also gave final adoption to ordinance No. 11-39, amending mayor and council compensation effective Jan. 1, 2026; Mayor Mike Evans publicly stated he will not sign that ordinance, so per Iowa law it will take effect 14 days after passage if not vetoed. The council approved claims in the amount of $1,582,948.22.
Why it matters: The golf-cart ordinance establishes local rules for low-speed vehicles on city streets. The compensation ordinance changes pay for elected officials beginning Jan. 1, 2026; the mayor's decision not to sign was presented during the meeting and the law governing unsigned ordinances will determine timing. The claims approval covers city payments already submitted to the council for authorization.
Key details and votes: Council considered ordinance No. 11-40 (second consideration), then voted to waive a third reading and adopt it. The police chief reported no objections from staff to advancing the golf-cart ordinance. On ordinance No. 11-39, council members debated the proposal over multiple meetings; opponents said they view service as a privilege and some pledged to donate increased pay. Supporters said the change helps keep local government accessible and transparent. On the motion to adopt No. 11-39, the motion passed. The claims motion passed by council vote.
Mayor's comment: Mayor Mike Evans said he opposed the compensation increase and said he would not sign the ordinance if it passed, noting he would instead let the law take its course: "If it passes, and I expect it will, I will not be signing it, which means, per Iowa law, it will go into effect 14 days later." (Mayor Mike Evans)
What the record shows: The meeting transcript records the council moving and seconding the motions, members answering roll-call votes verbally, and the mayor's public statement about not signing the compensation ordinance. The transcript does not provide a complete numeric roll-call tally for each motion in a single tabulated form; where individual members recorded votes, those names are listed below in the actions section.
Outlook: The golf-cart regulations are effective following adoption and publication. The compensation ordinance will become effective in 14 days unless subject to a lawful veto or other procedural action. The claims will be paid as authorized.
