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Mayor Brian Cruz urges unity, fiscal restraint and action on water; signs proclamations honoring two fallen Guardsmen
Summary
Mayor Brian Cruz used his first report of the term to ask the community to unite around the new fire station, emphasize fiscal responsibility and address water-system issues. He appointed Councilman Fisher as mayor pro tem, named Councilman Stolen a county liaison, and signed proclamations honoring Staff Sergeants Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and William Nate Howard.
Mayor Brian Cruz on Jan. 9 outlined priorities for his term and asked council members, staff and residents to move past division and rally around city projects, notably the new fire station.
Citing the recent election and feedback from residents, Cruz said unity and open communication are central goals. “Let’s put the division in the past,” he told the council, calling for community open houses, dedication events and other steps to build support for the completed station. He named water-system problems — infrastructure, quality, low pressure and cost — as the top issue he heard during the campaign and said the council must tackle those problems “head on and ASAP.”
Cruz emphasized fiscal restraint, saying he would be reluctant to support tax increases except for true emergencies, and called for transparency and two-way communication between the city and residents. He also listed economic development and cultivating future municipal leaders among his priorities.
The mayor announced two appointments: Councilman Fisher as mayor pro tem and Councilman Stolen as the city’s liaison to the Benton County Landfill Committee and the Benton County Conservation Committee, replacing the former mayor on those boards.
Mayor Cruz then asked the city clerk to read proclamations honoring two Iowa National Guard members killed in action. The clerk read proclamations for Staff Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Staff Sergeant William Nate Howard; Cruz asked the council and audience to keep the families in their prayers.
Civic engagement initiatives were also discussed: the council set a date for a citizens communication meeting on Jan. 24, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. at city hall to receive citizen concerns and policy information; the consent agenda listing that meeting date passed as part of the consent items.
