Bucklin council approves sewer-operator pay raise, OKs new financial and court software

The Bucklin City Council approved a range of routine municipal actions at its July 22, 2024 regular meeting, including a $1.00-an-hour pay increase for a city employee who passed a sewer certification test and the purchase of new financial and court software.

Mayor Cody Warden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and confirmed a quorum. Councilmembers Justin Engel, Kerry Christian and Liz Albert were present; Councilmember Noel Stiles was absent. City Clerk Kim Dill was listed as present in the meeting record.

The council first approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the July 8 regular meeting and Appropriations Ordinance No. 24-07-22 totaling $25,449.59. Councilmember Justin Engel made the motion and Councilmember Liz Albert seconded; the consent items passed on a 3-0 vote.

Under items of business, the council noted that Morgan Allison, who had been scheduled to present about a mobile clinic, did not attend because of weather and the item was not acted on.

On personnel matters, the council approved a pay increase for Austin Ramey from $16.25 to $17.25 per hour after Ramey passed his sewer certification test. The motion was made by Councilmember Engel, seconded by Councilmember Albert, and carried 3-0.

The council also approved two software purchases recommended under a GWorks quote. The city will subscribe to QuickBooks Online for $225 per month (plus applicable fees) for financial management and will purchase Thoroughbred Court software at $400 for the first year and $120 annually thereafter for court management. The motion to approve these purchases was made by Councilmember Liz Albert, seconded by Councilmember Engel, and passed 3-0.

Discussion of diversion fees was tabled to the next meeting; the council took no action on that item at this session.

Councilmembers approved Purchase Order #2024-004 to B & D Lock & Key for $307.00 to rekey municipal locks. The motion, made by Councilmember Engel and seconded by Councilmember Albert, passed 3-0.

Department-head reports were brief: the city superintendent, city clerk and police department had no items to report. The council also listed consideration of entering executive session to discuss personnel matters pertaining to non-elected personnel; no executive-session action or outcome appears in the record. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

The council has scheduled follow-up on diversion fees for a future meeting; no date was provided in the July 22 minutes.