Special to the Monitor
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS — On September 25, the city council discussed the millage rate, budget, future plans, and the Keystone Heights Airport.
The council held a second public hearing for its tax rate and budget. The panel approved both plans with Council Member Bobby Brown absent for health reasons.
City Manager Lynn Rutkowski told the council the proposed millage rate of 4.2901 was the same as last year’s rate and 6.34% higher than the 2022-2023 rollback rate of 4.0003.
The council also approved a $3.4 million budget for the new fiscal year, which started on October 1.
Rutkowski broke down the budget, which included $1,776,244.40 for the general fund, $444,835.39 for the community redevelopment agency, $37,216.60 for the cemetery, $1,401,157.39 for the airport, and $428,174.25 for infrastructure. She added that the budget increase is directly attributed to the cost of supplies, materials, services, and other projects.
Homecoming parade canceled
Rutkowski told the council that the Keystone Heights High School’s homecoming parade that was to be held on October 6 had been canceled due to financial and administrative struggles.
She added that the school’s parade requires more preparations than the city’s other parades.
City manager resigning
Rutkowski informed council members that she plans to resign soon.
She added that her contract requires a 90-day notice and requested instead a 120-day notice to allow a smoother transition from the current city manager to the new one.
The Council agreed to the extension but was sad about Rutkowski’s announcement and hoped she would reconsider.
“I think we have an incredible team right here, and I think we’re on the road to some really amazing things in the next couple of years,” Mayor Nina Rodenroth told the manager. “So, I do hope you’ll reconsider, but I’m open to whatever you need to do for your personal needs.”
In addition, the council discussed giving Rutkowski an evaluation, possibly increasing her salary, and hiring a city clerk or an assistant city manager.
Vice mayor voices airport concerns
Lastly, Vice Mayor Christine Thompson shared with the public her reasons why she favors the city changing the governing structure of the airport and converting the facility’s management from a board to a department of the city under the city manager.
She said the council received a “barrage” of phone calls, emails, and requests for private meetings by Keystone Heights Airport Authority board members since January after the council chose new members for three seats on the airport board.
She also stated that airport authority board members and supporters have scolded the council for their decisions and accused them of colluding.
She added that during airport board meetings, longtime board members became “defensive” when asked about lease agreements, management, and security from the new appointees.
“As I bring you all these facts and reasons why I think that the city should take the airport back under the city as a department, I want to be clear that this is my opinion.” Thompson declared. “I’m an independent person sitting on this council. I don’t consult with anybody sitting next to me.”
