Keokuk City Council approves mid‑year fund transfers, park shelter contract and liquor licenses

Keokuk — The Keokuk City Council on Dec. 18 approved several routine and budgetary items, including a mid‑year fund transfer resolution, a contract award for shelter house repairs at Toli Park and three retail liquor licenses, and it rescheduled the council's Jan. 1 meeting to Jan. 5 to avoid the holiday.

The meeting opened at 5:30 p.m. at 501 Main Street, where Mayor [Mayor] led the Pledge of Allegiance and offered parting remarks to residents and staff. "Stay strong, Keokuk. And remember, eat, drink, and shop local. Kindness matters," the mayor said.

The council approved a resolution authorizing transfers among city funds for the first half of fiscal year 2026 after a staff presentation. City staff outlined that the general fund is expected to spend less on employee benefits than originally budgeted and that an $84,000 offset will be transferred to the general fund to cover a shortfall in the airport commission levy. Staff also said some planned transfers from the Tax Increment Financing (TIFF) fund cannot occur because the amounts were not listed as certified TIFF debt in 2024 and therefore are not legally transferable; as a result, several planned transfers to economic development and capital improvement funds will not occur and the SID center deficit will be covered by an unbudgeted transfer from the general fund. The council voted to approve the resolution.

On a parks project, staff recommended the council approve a contract with Commercial Contracting Services (CCS) of Keokuk for the Toli Park shelter house rehabilitation. During the presentation staff said one bid was received; staff recommended approval and said the project will be funded by interest from a CD established in memory of Mary E. Toli per Resolution No. 213 (July 20, 1978). Staff recommended "approving a contract with CCS in the amount of 16,000." During discussion, a council member pointed out the action form and the resolution listed $16,500 rather than $16,000. The council confirmed the $16,500 figure on the paperwork and then voted to approve the contract. The meeting record shows the project will be funded by the Toli estate funds.

The council also approved consent‑agenda liquor license resolutions for: HY Food Stores (3111 Main Street, Class E retail alcohol license effective Jan. 2, 2026); West Kmart (707 Palin Street, Class E retail alcohol license effective Jan. 5, 2026); and the Colombian Room (11 North 6 Street, Class C retail alcohol license effective Jan. 20, 2026). The consent agenda, which also included minutes and routine financial reports and payment of register numbers 5513–5515, was approved by voice vote.

City staff reported on community programs and departmental grants. Staff said the third annual Shop with a Cop (Dec. 6) served around 20 children with $200 each and activities, and also reported receipt of a $31,000 opioid funding reimbursement for the department's K‑9 unit. Staff outlined upcoming budget workshops and a Jan. 5 work session to orient new council members to historical budget context and the schedule for mid‑January budget workshops.

The council paused to recognize outgoing council members and long‑service city employees. Assistant Chief JW Guy, Lieutenant Stacy Johnston and firefighter Damon Kley were recognized for 25 years with the fire department; Fire Chief Gabe Rose was noted for 30 years of service (he was absent). Pam Broomhall was recognized for 31 years of service as community development, zoning and planning director and is expected to retire in nine months.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that passed; the mayor closed with holiday remarks.