By Sam Parsons

The Ottumwa City Council met last night for the final time in the year 2022 and held a public hearing on the City Hall Improvements Project. A remodel of city hall would entail replacing the boiler system, restoring restrooms, increasing energy efficiency, and improving accessibility, among other things. The project is expected to cost roughly $3.5 million, with funding coming from multiple sources. $700,000 was already approved from bond issuance and $890,000 from phase one ARPA funds was also allocated for it. Approximately $1.3 million in ARPA funds remains unallocated and could be used for the project, leaving roughly $690,000 remaining to be funded by revenue from franchise fees. The plans, specs, form of contract, and estimated cost of the project were approved unanimously.

The council also discussed the city’s agreement with the Heartland Humane Society. City Administrator Philip Rath talked about what changed this time around to help the shelter out.

The annual compensation comes out to just under $44,000, an increase from the previous figure of about $7,000. The agreement was approved unanimously.