By Piqua News Now Staff
PIQUA – The Piqua City Commission approved amendments to sanitation services and reviewed law enforcement fund ordinances during its meeting on Tuesday, March 18.
As part of the transition to contracted waste collection, the city proposed a subsidy for the senior discount program to help offset rate increases. The plan will use sanitation fund reserves to cover approximately $10,000 to $14,000 annually for five years. The commission previously voted 4-1 on Feb. 5 to outsource refuse and recycling services to Rumpke, with Mayor Kris Lee dissenting.
Commissioners also reviewed second readings of ordinances establishing a law enforcement custodial fund and a federal seizure special revenue fund. These funds aim to streamline the handling of seized cash held by the city during criminal investigations. Finance Director Jerry O’Brien confirmed the changes would not incur additional costs.
Additional Ordinances and Resolutions
The commission introduced first readings for:
- Development Code Amendments: Updates to address problematic land use issues in the 2023 Piqua Development Code.
- 2025 Budget Adjustments: Revisions reflecting changes since the approval of the 2024 budget.
- Bond Debt Service Fund: Creation of a dedicated fund for bond payments, financed through transfers from the general fund and Fort Piqua Plaza Fund.
Approved resolutions included:
- A three-year crop-share lease at the R.M. Davis Water Tower property to increase revenue and reduce maintenance costs.
- Appointment of Kimberly Hughes as full-time clerk of commission and Diana Tamplin as backup clerk.
- A $106,829.75 project to modernize the Municipal Government Complex elevator.
- A $231,464 purchase order for two Ram 5500 dump trucks with plow and salt equipment for street maintenance.
- A $4,750 contract amendment with accounting provider Springbrook to add a missing project management module, with no additional cost in 2025.
