City approves new water rates

The Tea City Council met Jan. 8 where they approved new water rates. The new monthly residential water usage charges will change from $4.05 to $4.25 per 1,000 gallons for 0-9,999 gallons; from $4.50 to $4.75 per 1,000 gallons for 10,000-24,999 gallons; and from $4.90 to $25 per 1,000 gallons for 25,000 or more gallons.

They held a first reading on an ordinance to change the meeting time. The time would change from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month. Councilwoman Ruby Zuraff noted that she has a solid waste board meeting at 5:30 p.m. that meets quarterly. The council will hold the second reading at the Jan. 22 meeting.

The council approved the annual salaries for city employees for 2024. City administrator Justin Weiland’s annual salary is $154,750; utility superintendent Thad Konrad’s pay is $100,603.45; police chief Jessica Quigley’s salary is $103,681.72; finance officer Dawn Murphy’s pay is $97,877.12; planning and zoning administrator Kevin Nissen’s pay is $87,750; and park and rec director Jacob Kerr’s pay is $62,750.

The mayor will be paid $1,875 per month and council members are paid $625 per month. 

The council approved two pay applications for phase 4 of the Tea Athletic Park Complex from LT Companies. One was in the amount of $323,710.25 and the other for $216,860. 

They approved the purchase of a 2024 Case 321F high speed compact wheel loader for $99,945 and a snow plow attachment for $14,490. 

They also approved the renewals for The Tea Tree at 115 Lipton St., Suite C and Pure Bliss Cannabis at 2015 Merchant St. (moving to 1910 E. Gateway Blvd., Suite 4).

The council held a first reading for ordinance 314 on 2024 supplemental appropriations.

Weiland noted that the city should be able to start pumping ponds by the end of the week. They are planning to start pumping 100,000 to 150,000 gallons a day.

Citizen Michael LeVan addressed the council on the possible rec center. He thinks if the city wants to build a rec center, then they should build it where kids can get to it. He suggested at the grassy area next to the community hall.

The council adjourned at 7:28 p.m.