On Monday, February 17, the Hermitage City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Matt Cathey, who began by recognizing the attendees, including Attorney Ricky Roper and his wife, Kelly, who were present for the meeting.
The minutes from the January meeting were presented, and a motion was made to accept them. The motion passed with unanimous approval from the council.
Next, Police Chief Ben Poole provided the police report for the month of January. The department issued a total of six citations, which included two for running a stop sign, one for driving while intoxicated, one for drinking on the highway, one for a minor in possession of alcohol, and one for an expired driver's license. After reviewing the report, a motion was made to approve it, and the council voted in favor.
Hermitage Fire Chief Barry Booker presented the fire department's report, which included responding to three grass fires. Chief Booker also informed the council that one of the city's fire trucks is currently out of service and at Fosters for repairs. However, the truck is reportedly not worth investing further repairs into. As a result, the city is considering purchasing a new truck. A motion was made to approve the fire report, and it passed with unanimous support from the council.
Public Works Director Travis Stanley then gave the department’s report. He shared that all water samples passed testing for the month. Additionally, two water leaks were reported and successfully repaired. An aerator at the sewer pond also malfunctioned, with the cause traced to nutria rats living in the area. Stanley assured the council that the issue was being addressed. He also noted that potholes on several city streets had been filled. A motion was made to accept the public works report, and it passed with unanimous approval.
Cathey then moved to discuss the city's financial matters, beginning with the approval of the 2024 actual budget. A motion was made to approve the budget, and the council voted unanimously in favor.
Finally, the mayor addressed the need for an increase in water and sewer rates, with a proposed change to take effect on March 1, 2025. A motion was made to pass an ordinance increasing the rates, and the council voted in favor of the change.
With no further business to discuss, Cathey adjourned the meeting.
