The recently completed Farm-City Days celebration is drawing rave reviews.
Despite not having a carnival for this year’s celebration — the owners canceled at the last minute — the crowds and atmosphere were tremendous, Farm-City Days Committee member Daren Kellerman told City Council members Monday.
“This town and county came out in droves to support it,” Kellerman said.
Without the carnival, Kellerman said more festival-goers spent time socializing, frequenting vendors booths and enjoying the added activities.
Kellerman praised several Iola and Allen County employees for “making sure we had what we needed. We look for next year to be even better.”
Mayor Steve French and several Council members, likewise, praised the committee’s volunteers for adjusting on the fly to a shortened schedule of events, and adding activities in the carnival’s absence.
“It’s great to have volunteers,” French said.
IOLA city employees will get a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment to their salaries in 2024.
The raises are tied to the Consumer Price Index, which also is used by the Social Security Administration to determine what beneficiaries receive annually.
The city had budgeted 4%, Assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock noted.
In a related matter, the city will not be faced with an increase in health insurance premiums next year. After budgeting for a potential hike of up to 12%, the city learned recently premiums will drop a tenth of a percent in 2024.
PRAIRIELAND Partners is beginning construction of its new dealership facility near the intersection of Oregon Road and U.S. 169.
As part of the construction, Council members approved issuance Monday of up to $14 million in industrial revenue bonds.
COUNCIL members also:
— Approved a request from the Iola HIgh School Junior Class to waive curfew rules at Riverside Park for April 20 to allow for IHS After-Prom activities inside the Recreation Community Building.
