Brian Hanus gets sworn in as Tama’s new mayor during Monday night’s meeting. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

Brian Hanus was sworn in as the new official Tama mayor at Monday’s Tama City council meeting. Hanus was previously the mayor pro tem and the only candidate to apply.

Mayor Hanus is taking over the position from former Mayor Doug Ray, who resigned a few weeks ago. The city of Tama to date is said to be unaware of the reasons behind Ray’s resignation. Council member Larry Thomas was appointed as the new Mayor pro tem and added to the cities checking account as well. Hanus’s council seat will be filled by appointment.

The new School Resource Officer was also on the agenda. The council approved signing the 28E agreement to split the SRO officer with Toledo. Around $65,000 in grants have already been found to fund the officer who will work primarily at the High School and do random checks at all other school buildings. One candidate is being favorably looked at for the position and will hopefully start on Sept. 1.

The council also approved a rifle purchase contract with the Tama Police Department. This way, every fiscal year, the officer can buy a rifle or shotgun, the city will pay, and the money for the gun will be taken out of the officer’s pay.

MDH properties were approved for a nuisance property clean up. The council approved a payment for the Lincoln Highway Bridge.

A public hearing to hear input on the Lincoln Highway Bridge was set for 5:30 before the next council meeting on Monday Aug. 21.

A public hearing to abandon alley block 8, Appleton addition was set to be held at the next council meeting.

A work session with the DNR, DOT, and the Engineer about the Lincoln Highway Bridge was set for next Monday.

The council also approved raises for two separate Tama Ambulance workers. Ruth Hildahl was approved for an 11% raise of $2.34 bringing her up to $23 an hour. Chris Harris was approved for a 1% raise bringing him up to $21 an hour.