BY TRAVIS WILLIAMSON, For The Dominion Post
Star City Council held its first session of the new term this week and all members, new and old, were present, in addition to several Star City residents.
Tuesday’s session tackled ongoing projects within the community, in addition to plans for the future.
Improvements to the Edith Barill Riverfront Park & Trail were forefront at the meeting, after local residents brought up safety issues in the area.
Complaints were made concerning individuals speeding on park grounds.
The council agreed to discuss potential solutions at the next meeting, which is July 16.
While the council plans on having a comprehensive conversation next month, Mayor Herman Reid said signage around the park would be a good investment.
“I think the signage and speed bumps will fix everything down there,” Reid said.
Council members also discussed the town’s budget for this term.
A motion was made to readdress the mayor’s compensation for the upcoming year.
After voting to keep the mayor’s salary the same as last year during a May 7 meeting, the vote will be reopened for the next session.
Town Attorney Paul Cranston, who was not present at the May 7 meeting, said the increased salary of $5,000 was accounted for in next year’s budget, and a revote should be taken with this in mind.
A motion was passed, four to one, to vote on the mayor’s salary at the next session.
Star City Treasurer Lea Hassler said the town will potentially save thousands of dollars through renegotiated insurance rates for the town.
“We got two quotes back … one from our current agent, and one from a new agent,” Hassler said. “They are both a lot cheaper from last year, but the new agent … is about $10,000 less,” Hassler said.
Hassler also said the new policy will provide the same coverage, while saving the county $50,000.
Star City’s budget will be discussed further at the next finance committee meeting, which will be held directly before the council’s next meeting on July 16.
Star City Councilman and finance committee member Dominic Claudio said the committee will discuss the distribution of the countywide alcohol tax.
While the numbers aren’t finalized, Claudio said this tax distribution will “increase revenue for Star City.”
Before council adjourned, former member Cindy Ulrich said farewell to fellow council members.
“It’s been a great two years,” Ulrich said.
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