Carlisle council reorganizes committees, names Deputy Mayor and creates School Board liaison

Carlisle City Council on Jan. 13 approved a reorganization of council committees, created a School Board liaison position, and appointed Mr. Chris Stivers as Deputy Mayor for 2026.

Mr. Michael Kilpatrick moved to approve the committee reorganization (second: Mr. Chris Stivers); the motion passed by roll call. Kilpatrick then moved to create a School Board liaison position to improve communication between Council and the School Board; Mrs. Debbie Kemper seconded the motion and the measure passed. Council discussion favored rotating attendance among council members rather than assigning a permanent liaison.

Mr. Tim Humphries nominated Mr. Chris Stivers to serve as Deputy Mayor; the roll call recorded one abstention (Mr. Stivers) and otherwise unanimous support, and Mr. Stivers will serve in the role for 2026.

In related administrative actions, council adopted an emergency ordinance (Ordinance 2‑26) authorizing fund transfers included in the 2026 budget after suspending the three‑reading rule. Council also discussed Ordinance 19‑25 (cash-drawer/petty-cash code changes) at second reading, which would eliminate the petty cash drawer and authorize Finance to maintain cash drawers limited to $200 each; that ordinance will return for third reading on Jan. 27.

Why it matters: The committee reorganization and the new School Board liaison are intended to improve coordination between the city and its school district; the Deputy Mayor appointment establishes council leadership for 2026. The fund-transfer ordinance ensures budget line items conform to legal requirements; the cash‑drawer ordinance would standardize petty‑cash practice and remove the petty‑cash drawer to reduce financial risk.

Next steps: Ordinance 19‑25 and several other items will return for final readings at the Jan. 27 meeting.