The City of St. Marys Council made significant strides in its latest meeting on December 30, 2024, by amending and passing several key ordinances that will impact city operations and employee compensation.

One of the most notable decisions was the amendment of Ordinance 2024-28, which adjusted funding allocations for the fire department and street maintenance. The fire department's budget was increased from $5,000 to $10,000, while street maintenance saw a correction from an initial deficit of over $45,000. Additionally, a reduction in utility funding was adjusted from over $20,000 to $10,000. These changes reflect the council's commitment to addressing budgetary oversights and ensuring adequate funding for essential services.

The council also passed multiple emergency ordinances related to employee wages and benefits. Ordinance 2024-29 established compensation for city supervisors and non-representative employees, while Ordinance 2024-30 set wages for the fire chief and fire department staff not covered by collective bargaining agreements. Similarly, Ordinance 2024-31 addressed the compensation for the chief of police and police department employees under such agreements. Each of these ordinances received unanimous support from council members, indicating a strong consensus on the importance of fair compensation for city employees.

Further, the council approved Ordinance 2024-32, which authorizes the purchase of various materials and services necessary for city departments. This ordinance aims to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery across the city.

In addition to these approvals, the council discussed several ordinances that will return for further readings in upcoming meetings, including transfers to the swim pool fund, municipal building fund, capital improvement fund, and voting tax fund. These discussions highlight ongoing efforts to manage city finances effectively and prepare for future projects.

As the meeting concluded, the council reminded members of a scheduled meeting the following day, emphasizing their commitment to continuous governance and community engagement. The decisions made during this session are expected to have a lasting impact on the city's operations and employee welfare, reinforcing the council's role in fostering a responsive and responsible local government.