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Two new commissioners join Hiawatha City Commission

By Greg Bebermeyer

01/15/2025

Credit: Greg Bebermeyer/MSC News

(KNZA)--Two new commissioners took their seats on the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening after being sworn in.

Mayor Becky Shamburg welcomed new commissioners Laura Tollefson and Tom Martin to the Commission.

That came after City Clerk Dawn Boyles administered the oath of office to the pair, along with Commissioner Brian Shefferd, who was re-elected last November. Shefferd joined the meeting via Zoom.

In other business, the Commission on a 4-1 vote adopted a resolution advising the issuance of $1.2 million in industrial revenue bonds to finance improvements to the Best Western Plus Hotel located on East Lodge Road. Shefferd cast the dissenting vote, questioning where you draw the line in granting such requests.

The city's bond counsel, Kevin Cowan, said the hotel owner wants to make upgrades to the facility to keep it viable.

Cowan said the owner is also asking for a property tax abatement and a sales tax exemption, which were incentives utilized originally with the hotel project

The Commission also approved a resolution establishing a pay plan for city employees for 2025. City Administrator Brad Scott said it includes a 3 percent pay increase for certain employees and a higher starting wage for police officers.

Mayor Shamburg and Commissioners thanked city staff for their efforts in clearing streets following the winter blizzard earlier this month.

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