The Ottumwa City Council convened for its second meeting of the month Tuesday evening at City Hall. The meeting was sponsored by Jakki and Fonzi with Cars and Cash, located on North Madison Avenue in Ottumwa.
During the session, the council approved Consent Agendas 1 and 2, with the exception of the proposed property tax levy. That item was removed from the agenda and is scheduled for further discussion on April 7.
The meeting began with the administration report, where Tim Richmond provided an update from the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
Under ordinances, Ben Foote introduced the first consideration of Ordinance No. 3257-2026. The ordinance proposes updates to city administrative structure and responsibilities. Section one would repeal and replace Sec. 2-78(b)(4), outlining the city administrator’s role in coordinating and supervising the conduct of city officers and department heads, as well as conducting annual performance evaluations, excluding the city clerk.
Section two states that the city administrator shall appoint department heads as deemed necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the city. Section three allows the city administrator to remove or suspend a department head, with any such action requiring city council approval unless otherwise provided by state law. The ordinance also provides the option for a public hearing upon request by the department head, in accordance with state law.
In departmental reports, the Ottumwa Police Department received approval to submit an application through the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program. The application seeks funding for the purchase of a Lenco BearCat armored rescue and response vehicle.
The department is requesting $315,000 in grant funding toward the cost of the vehicle, while committing up to $25,000 in matching funds. Those funds will come from asset forfeiture accounts and may also be used for additional equipment if needed.
The council also discussed a proposed sewer rate study. No formal action was taken, and the item was deferred to a future work session for further review and discussion.
