Toledo council sets March public hearing on FY27 levy, discontinues fireworks funding and approves part-time officer

Mayor Brian Sokol called the Toledo City Council to order at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the Reinig Center. Councilmembers Pansegrau, Boll, Ray and Cook were present; Vesely was absent.

The council approved its consent agenda — including minutes, claims totaling $104,790.82 and payroll of $38,874.95 — by voice vote after a motion from Councilmember Cook and a second from Councilmember Pansegrau.

Under new business, Councilmember Boll moved to set a public hearing on the proposed FY27 property tax levy rate for March 23, 2026; Councilmember Pansegrau seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The hearing will provide the formal opportunity for public comment before the council adopts any levy rate.

The council also voted to discontinue city funding for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display beginning with FY27, a change Councilmember Cook said reflects cost pressures tied to recent property tax reform. The display’s funding for July 2026 remains in place. The motion to end fireworks funding was moved by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Pansegrau, and carried with all present voting aye.

On personnel, the council approved retaining Eric Dickinson as a part-time police officer at a wage of $27.95 per hour, effective Feb. 23, 2026. The motion was moved by Councilmember Cook and seconded by Councilmember Pansegrau.

Council members also heard from Jordan (role not specified in the transcript) about a fallen retaining wall on the west side of the aquatic center. Jordan described options to remove landscape blocks and pave with gutters and the council asked staff to obtain an estimate for reinstalling landscaping blocks before making a final decision. The pool has funds earmarked for repairs; Jordan said repair costs would most likely be shared by Tama County and the City of Toledo.

Other routine business included approval of revised rental rates for the Reinig Center, approved on a motion from Councilmember Cook and seconded by Councilmember Boll, and a brief budget work session. During the budget session (recess at 6:14 p.m.), the clerk reported that current figures were acceptable, wages were set, and the council moved a police vehicle into the rotation for 2027 with the cost split across FY27 and FY28. The council returned to the regular meeting and adjourned at 6:24 p.m.

Votes at a glance: consent agenda approved (Cook/Pansegrau; ayes 5, nays 0, absent 1); alley vacation request tabled for city-attorney review (Pansegrau/Ray; ayes 5, nays 0, absent 1); hire of Eric Dickinson as part-time officer approved (Cook/Pansegrau; ayes 5, nays 0, absent 1); public hearing on FY27 levy set for March 23, 2026 (Boll/Pansegrau; ayes 5, nays 0, absent 1); fireworks funding discontinued beginning FY27 (Cook/Pansegrau; ayes 5, nays 0, absent 1); Reinig Center rental rate changes approved (Cook/Boll; ayes 5, nays 0, absent 1); budget work-session actions moved by voice vote.