Pat Hullet appointed Blackwell mayor; Utility rates increase

The Blackwell City Council met Thursday night to approve utility rate increases and to appoint Blackwell resident Pat Hullet as the city’s mayor.

Hullet will complete the term of former Mayor Jon Webb, who resigned at the end of May and died June 6. Hullet will serve until the April 2024 election season.

The meeting began at 6 p.m. The Council approved the final draft of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget, which included cost-of-living pay raises for city employees. It also includes utility rate hikes.

Earlier this year at the first round of budget meetings, the Council discussed the likelihood of rate increases with Chief Financial Officer Russ Meacham. He cautioned city leaders that rate increases were necessary to offset the City of Blackwell’s spending on various large-scale public works projects.

After approving the budget, Hullet was sworn in by City Clerk Traci Hanebrink and took her place at the “horseshoe” with the Council members.

Next, Council members approved a 5.2% across-the-board increase in sewer, electrical, water and solid waste collection rates.

The Council then named Jay Brewer as the city’s chief of police. Brewer has served as the interim chief for more than a month.

Next, the Council appointed various municipal board members.

Stanley Claybaker, Darrell Grossardt, Mike Jeffers and Mark Cordell were reappointed to three-year terms on the Blackwell Industrial Authority.

Grossardt, Jeffers and Cordell also were reappointed to three-year terms on the Blackwell Economic Development Authority.

Brenda McGuire and Terri Grell were reappointed to the Blackwell Public Library Board for three-year terms.

David Reeser was reappointed as a trustee of the Blackwell Public Trust for a three-year term.

The City of Blackwell has closed negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police and Association of Firefighters for pay increases as well as physical condition testing for both police officers and firefighters. City Manager Jerry Wieland said these items were requested by the respective unions of their own will. Wieland said he believes it shows the commitment of the police and fire departments.

The meeting ended at 6:45 p.m.