Two members were sworn in to fill the empty Edgar City Council seats at their monthly meeting Feb. 12.
Vicki Shaw and Thomas Watson were sworn in, with Kent Kinnaman being appointed council president.
Council members discussed a half percent sales tax increase, from 6.5 percent to 7 percent. Proceeds from the tax can be used for road improvements. A town hall meeting will be hosted to gain feedback from the community, and a special ballot will also need to be completed.
The Bar Next door presented an interest in adding Keno to their business. This would require a special voting ballot by Edgar citizens. This was also tabled to the next meeting so that the council can gather more information.
Under business involving the fire and rescue departments, there was discussion to combine the Edgar Rural Fire Board with the Edgar Fire and Rescue Departments, to help with workload and alleviate some of the city budget.
The council requested that each department compile a list of all owned equipment and the value of each item. A work meeting will be scheduled for each department so that the information can be presented to the council.
Council members said a town hall meeting will need to be held to inform citizens and allow the community members to express concerns.
The rescue squad requested adding a mobile hotspot to their Verizon plans in the ambulance. The hotspot allows sending vital information such as EKG’s to hospitals when en route with a patient.
Fire Chief Chris Tripe reported that insurance coverages for their members needs to be reviewed. They will get comparisons and quotes, as changing may save some money.
Rescue Captain Dudlee Brennfoerder reported they have four people in the EMT class who are ready to do ride-alongs. He said the new trainees will be a great addition to the squad.
Brennfoerder also said the state has new protocols for the EMT squad, of which their current medical director has signed off on all but 17 of them. They are looking for a new medical director who allows for more beneficial treatments for patients being transported to hospital by emergency members.
