The Mount Pleasant City Council moved through a full agenda Wednesday night, approving several measures related to the city’s budget process, public safety, infrastructure, and childcare services.
The council approved setting a public hearing for the City’s Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Maximum Property Tax Dollars for March 25 at 5 p.m. The hearing is part of the annual budget process and will allow residents an opportunity to provide input before the tax levy is finalized.
In a notable moment for the Mount Pleasant Fire Department, the council authorized the promotion of Jared Dorothy from cadet to firefighter. Dorothy was one of just two cadets in the department’s inaugural cadet program, launched last year for high school students ages 14 to 17. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School last May and is currently attending Southeast Iowa Community College, where he is taking EMT classes. His progression from local student to firefighter highlights the program’s role in building the next generation of first responders and strengthening the volunteer department.
Council members also approved a contract allowing Mount Pleasant Community Childcare to temporarily use classrooms in the north section of City Hall. During Public Forum, Ed Kropa of the Mount Pleasant Public Library Board thanked the council and city staff for their cooperation in helping secure space for the childcare program, noting the benefits of its central location near educational resources like The Mount Pleasant Public Library and Children’s Discovery Center.
During department reports, City Engineer Jim Warner said the city plans to seek bids in April for the reconstruction of Winfield Avenue from North Broadway to Grand Avenue. The project will include roadway improvements as well as the addition of trails, aimed at improving safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. Currently there are no sidewalks along Winfield Ave.
The council moved through the remainder of the agenda without significant discussion and will next meet in regular session on February 25 at 5:30 p.m.