Several Guthrie residents were on hand at Tuesday evening’s city council meeting in support of raises for the city’s employees and police officers.
In a 4-1 vote, the Guthrie City Council approved the second reading of the ordinance that set the city’s annual budget and secured raises for all city employees, including additional raises for the city’s police officers.
The additional raises are an effort to retain the existing police force.
City councilman Russ Longhurst expressed his support for the budget and raises.
In addition to the raises, the budget includes $30,000 in flood control monies, increased bonuses for fire department employees, and money for additional and updated fire equipment.
Councilman Chad Johnson cast the lone vote in opposition to the budget.
The council also approved the first reading of 2 ordinances, one to modify the city’s procurement threshold to $30,000 and one to permit the licensing and use of special-purpose vehicles on all streets and highways within the city limits. The ordinance related to special-purpose vehicles follows the county’s vote to allow the vehicles on all county roads and highways, except for 68/80.
Special-purpose vehicles are defined in state law but may include golf carts, UTVs (side-by-sides), and some ATVs, provided they are equipped with proper safety equipment.
The council also approved the appointment of resident Monica Simmons to the Guthrie Planning Commission.
The city’s second annual Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, in downtown Guthrie.
