Sigourney Raises Pool Rental Prices

SIGOURNEY – The council approved rates for the city pool’s upcoming season. The daily admission cost will remain $5 for both residents and non-residents, $2.50 after 5 p.m., and $2 for lap swim. Puncards containing 10 punches will cost $40, with 20 punch punchcards selling for $75. The price to rent the pool for pool parties was raised, with rentals for under 30 people now costing $200 and coming with two lifeguards and rentals for more than 30 people now costing $250 with three lifeguards. The council also approved hiring Brooke Garringer as pool manager at an hourly wage of $12.25, three assistant managers/lifeguards at a rate of $11.25 when working as manager and $9 when working as lifeguards, and 14 other lifeguards at $9 per hour.

The council approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Clean Energy Districts of Iowa that will allow the group to collaborate with and advocate on the behalf of the city. Councilman Randy Schultz noted that Sigourney is not part of a clean energy district and recommended the city not contribute funds to the organization. The council passed a resolution officially opposing plans by Alliant Energy to increase energy prices. Alliant plans to raise average prices by 7.7% per residential customer, beginning in October 2024, with a second increase of 5.7% in October of 2025, and will need approval from the state utility board to implement these changes.

Councilman Gary Iosbaker reported that the daycare consortium is close to finalizing the paperwork to become a 501c3 and approaching completion with its financial plans. The council approved trading in a 4-year-old lawn mower to get a new one for $4,200; Public Works Director Don Northup noted that the lawnmowers are being used more now because of the hiring of a code enforcer. Councilman Adam Clark noted that both candidates interviewed for a policeman position by the city declined the job offer.