The Panora City Council approved to continue not sending utility disconnect notices or charging late fees, to alleviate those who may be suffering financial hardship related to COVID-19.

The Council previously approved this in March, and City Administrator Lisa Grossman mentioned at Monday’s meeting that she would bring this back to the Council on a monthly basis. The Council also approved the first reading of an amended water ordinance, including an increase in their water availability charge from the current rate of $40.10 to $42.20 on June 15th. Water rates will then increase by 3 percent annually after that. For wholesale customers the rate for Xenia Rural Water will change to $11.11 per 1,000 gallons, and $6.26 per 1,000 gallons for the Lake Panorama Association. The Council also approved the fee estimate for auditing services of $11,550 for fiscal year 2020, $11,650 for 2021, and $11,750 for 2022 from Feldmann & Company CPA’s, P.C. of Carroll, and discussed possibly holding a City clean-up day with Jensen Sanitation on June 26.

Finally, the Council approved an option to purchase real estate to reach out to property owners who would be interested in developing with Rural Housing 360.