Knoxville Council swears in new members, raises utility rates

Roll Call:     7   Present;    1  Absent.

Approved of Minutes of the Knoxville City Council Meeting of Monday, March 21, 2025:

Swearing in of New Council: Thee Mayor swore in the Treasurer and all the new Aldermen; The Mayor Pro-Tem swore in the Mayor.

Adjourn Sine Die: At 7:07 PM.

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Roll Call:    7   Present;     1   Absent.

Information Items:  The Mayor read the Proclamation for Motorcycle Awareness Month

Old Business:

1. Consideration to Raise Utility Rates: The Council voted to approve an increase of 2.8% for the City Utility bill, to increase annually so that we do not have a situation as we did in the past when rates were not increased for several years until the increase was far larger than it might have been. The Council will also be able to reduce or change if the annual expected increase is too large of too small.
2. Utility Billing and Financial Management Software: The Council approved the purchase of new Billing and Financial Management Software from LOCIS at a cost of $14,200.00 plus an annual maintenance fee, both of which are substantially lower than the current vendor’s offer.

New Business:

1. Appointment of City Attorney; City Engineer; Building Administrator: All three positions were approved.
2. Park Picnic Table Donation Request: The Council voted to accept the donation of the Picnic Table.
3. TIF Request Gary Goudie 302 E. Main St.: Gary Goudie’s ‘Shell Station’ on Main Street has proven to be an attraction to Knoxville and an asset to the community. His request was approved.
4. Resolution 2025-38 Hire Temporary Full Time Utility Worker Tyler Plack: The Resolution was approved.

Mayor’s Report:

• The new back-hoe is in and has been working.
• The water system has been experiencing substantial volumes of water. So far there is no indication of leaks large enough to account for the loss. Leaks that are found will be repaired and the effort to find the larger problem will continue.
• The Council is asked to prepare for the Appropriations Meeting to be held on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Next Meeting: Monday, May 19, 2025

Adjourn:   7:45 PM

Submitted By: Charlie Gruner