Arma extends deadline for energy contract

There’s no contract yet, but Arma will have more time to decide on its energy future.

Arma City Councilmen voted unanimously to approve a six-month extension on the current contract, to run until Nov. 30. The current contract was set to expire May 30.

“Six months is a lot better than June 1,” said Tim Schook, Arma city administrator.

The city is hoping to either negotiate a better deal with Westar or find another solution for the city’s energy needs. Westar had offered the city a 20-year contract that called for a rate increase of 7 percent per year for the first 10 years.

All five councilmen attended the meeting. In other business, Arma city councilmen:

• heard Bill Toschi, former councilman and Arma resident, address the council on its 2.5 percent raise, which was afforded to all city employees. Toschi asked council members why they were taking more money when Schook was cutting into their responsibility “by more than three-fourths.”

Ron McKee said council members had maintained a similar level of responsibility since Schook had been hired, and pointed out Councilman Don Zornes, who has been on several trips since Schook’s hire.

Toschi then asked for a description of Schook’s responsibilities, and said that, with increased costs overall, councilmen should consider dropping their salary level.

• approved pool regulations, life guards, salaries for lifeguards and private parties. There will be no swim lessons this year.

Arma residents can expect to pay 50-cents at the pool for a day, $25 for an individual pool pass, or $50 for a family pass. Non-residents will pay $1 for one day, $37.50 for an individual pass and $75 for a family pass. The pool will open, under manager Piper Richardson, on Sunday.

• approved a $1 per hour raise for Bette Lessen, Arma city clerk. The raise will be in addition to the 2.5 percent increase Lessen received as a city employee.

• saw Mayor Karl Wicker proclaim May 21 through May 31 “Buddy Poppy Week,” to honor the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Kevin Flaherty can be reached at kevin.flaherty@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 Ext. 134.