Dierks City Council Approves Floodplain Ordinance, Economic Development Measures

The Dierks City Council met Monday evening, where members approved several measures aimed at supporting public safety, economic development, and city operations.

One of the items approved was a flood damage prevention ordinance for the City of Dierks. The ordinance establishes a flood damage prevention program based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Howard County and its incorporated areas. The ordinance is intended to promote public health and safety, reduce the impacts of floodplain development, and minimize public and private property losses caused by flooding in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas.

The council also approved an ordinance regarding a one-percent sales tax to support Howard Memorial Hospital and Howard County economic development initiatives.

Council members also approved a service agreement between the City of Dierks and the Dierks Chamber of Commerce. Under the agreement, the Chamber will provide services that promote economic activity, tourism, community engagement, and quality-of-life initiatives within the city. The agreement also places the Chamber in charge of planning, organizing, and managing the annual Pine Tree Festival, including coordinating vendors, logistics, regulatory compliance, and working with city departments.

In personnel matters, the council approved the hiring of Anakaren Juarez for a position with the city’s Water Department.