Author: Shelbi Swinscoe

The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance took time this week to honor the life and legacy of former City Administrator Brent Schleisman, who passed away unexpectedly at the end of 2025.

Schleisman dedicated more than 30 years to public service in Mount Pleasant, leaving a lasting impact on the community through his leadership, long-term planning, and commitment to local growth. He was also remembered as a treasured coworker by City Hall staff, several of whom were in attendance for the tribute.

During the Chamber’s annual banquet, a tribute video highlighted both his professional contributions and personal character. Longtime city council members Terry McWilliams and Steve Engberg reflected on years of working alongside Schleisman, sharing stories of his steady leadership and dedication to the city.

Mike Norris also spoke in the tribute, describing the lessons he learned from Schleisman and the lasting influence he had on regional planning efforts.

From a more personal perspective, Lisa Oetken, who worked with Schleisman throughout her entire career at Main Street Mount Pleasant, shared her appreciation not only for his collaboration, but for his friendship.

City Engineer Jim Warner highlighted one of Schleisman’s passions, Mount Pleasant’s trail system, saying Schleisman was a strong advocate for expanding trails throughout the community and had future plans in mind before his passing.

Currently, Mount Pleasant’s trail system spans just under 10 miles, with additional trail connections expected as part of the upcoming Winfield Avenue reconstruction project.

Mayor Steve Brimhall accepted the honor on behalf of Schleisman’s family during the banquet.

That passion continues to shape his legacy. Following his death, Schleisman’s family shared that in lieu of services, memorial contributions may be made to the City of Mount Pleasant and designated for bike trail development through the Parks and Recreation Department.

The project reflects values that defined Schleisman’s career, including thoughtful planning, community investment, and creating amenities that will benefit residents for generations to come.

The Chamber’s tribute served as a reminder that while Schleisman may be gone, his vision for Mount Pleasant continues to move forward.

The Mount Pleasant Personnel and Finance Committee met Thursday morning at City Hall to discuss several key financial items, including airport hangar utilities, insurance renewals, and the city’s draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

One of the main topics was utilities for new airport hangars. City staff and Air Advantage reached a compromise where the city will cover utility costs for the first six months. This will allow time to establish an average cost before Air Advantage assumes full responsibility and sub leases the hangars to aircraft owners.

The committee also reviewed health and dental insurance renewals, which came in under budget, offering some financial relief as the city works through early budget planning.

Mayor Steve Brimhall presented the first draft of the fiscal year 2027 budget. While the city had anticipated deficit spending in the general fund last year, officials reported ending slightly ahead, by about nine thousand dollars to end the FY2026 budget. However, projections show the city will likely need to rely on reserve funds moving forward, and future leadership may need to explore additional revenue sources.

Other anticipated expenses include upgrading police body cameras due to discontinued equipment, as well as potential equipment purchases for public works, including a dump truck, tractor, and mower.

The Committee also discussed future revenue options, such as franchise fees and potential adjustments to how local option sales tax dollars are allocated. Currently, sales tax brings in about one million dollars annually, most of which is dedicated to capital projects.

Officials also noted ongoing financial challenges with the city’s garbage program, citing unpaid resident bills as a contributing factor to losses

Additional topics included rising insurance costs on city buildings, updates to public works software, and the timeline for hiring a new city administrator, which is expected to move forward after early April.

The next budget discussion for the Personnel & Finance Committee  is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25^th, 2026 at 4:00 pm.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, supervisors will consider approval of recent board minutes and financial claims as part of the consent agenda.

During committee updates, board members who attended the Iowa State Association of Counties Spring Conference will provide a report to the board.

Under new business, Henry County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss is scheduled to provide updates from the Secondary Roads Department. The board will also hear from Mollie McKibben regarding Sexual Abuse Awareness Month.

In addition, Katie Reuter will present information regarding the General Assistance policy for Fiscal Year 2027 and discuss support for Fellowship Cup.

Supervisors will also discuss procedures related to the creation and notification process for Board of Supervisors meeting agendas, including requests for department and office heads to submit items at least 48 hours in advance.

The meeting will include time for public comments before adjournment.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting is open to the public.

Click here to see the official agenda.