Dierks City Council Approves 2024 Budget, Discusses Key Projects and Police Upgrades
The Dierks City Council held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, where a number of important topics were addressed, including the final budget for 2024, ongoing projects, and police department upgrades.
The council officially approved the 2024 budget during the session, ensuring that city operations and projects are funded for the year ahead.
Mayor Ronnie Cogburn updated the council on several major projects currently underway. He informed the members that work at Dierks Lake is in progress, funded through a water grant. Cogburn stated the project is expected to take 90 days to complete. Additionally, he mentioned that while the sewer project has not yet started, funds are already being collected for it. After a discussion with the city’s attorney, Dustin Bissell, Cogburn emphasized the importance of implementing an ordinance for sewer rates as the project moves forward.
Police Chief John McKee provided updates regarding property conditions in the city. He informed the council about two properties that the city voted to condemn. One is located on North Walters Avenue, and the other is on West 6th Street. Chief McKee emphasized the need to move forward with condemning these properties to improve safety and community standards.
Following further discussion, the aldermen of the Dierks City Council approved a motion to condemn the properties as presented by Chief McKee.
Chief McKee also addressed the need for upgrades to the Dierks Police Department. He proposed enhancing the department’s firearms equipment and ensuring officers are fully equipped, including supplying them with sidearm firearms.
Additionally, Chief McKee shared plans to apply for a 90/10 grant to help upgrade the department’s computer systems, which would improve the efficiency and capabilities of their operations.
The council’s discussion concluded with plans for continued work on city improvements and police department enhancements. Stay tuned for part two of our coverage of the Dierks City Council meeting, where more updates and decisions will be shared.
