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Chester City Council Notes

News from the Dec. 3 meeting of the Chester City Council. The next council meeting will be held Dec. 17.

Tax levy going up nearly 5% in 2019

The Chester City Council has set the new municipal tax levy at $876,009, a 4.9 percent increase over last year's levy. The property tax levy reflects the amount of money the city will collect in 2019 from property taxes. It is calculated against the assessed value of each homeowner's or business's property. The council unanimously approved the ordinance, with member Donny Clark absent.

Updated police policy manual due soon

Police Chief Ryan Coffey said the updated policy manual for his officers will be ready after Jan. 1. Each officer will have a digital copy available to them at all times.

Coffey said he will recognize several officers with service awards at January's council meeting. He reported the Active Shooter Program was held at the high school and was well received.

The chief told commissioners that the new police vehicle is still not in, due to a recall by the maker and a backlog at the dealer.

91 fire calls so far in 2018, chief says

Fire Chief Marty Bert reported his department responded to seven calls last month and the yearly total is now at 91. Bert said this about average, with about 100 calls per year. Many of the firefighters participated in CPR, ADA, and other training with the State Fire Marshal recently.

Bert added that one of the department's fire trucks is currently out of service because its electrical wiring overheated and melted.

Council taking bids to sell old rescue boat

The city council approved authorizing bids for the sale of the old rescue boat, which has been out of service for three years. The city acquired the boat back in 2006 and it will be sold "as is".