Baxter council approves fire-rescue funding, expands downtown revitalization boundaries and signs off on routine items

Baxter — At its July 13 meeting, the Baxter City Council approved several routine and policy-direction items, including a $24,700.17 city contribution to Baxter Rural Fire & Rescue and expanded boundaries for a proposed Downtown Urban Revitalization Area.

Councilmember Churchill moved to approve the FY2026/2027 city contribution of $24,700.17 to Baxter Rural Fire & Rescue; the motion passed unanimously. Councilmembers also directed staff to expand the proposed revitalization boundaries to include High Street, the MidState area, areas north of the current boundary and Amy Street; Bethards moved to proceed with the updated area and the motion carried.

Other approvals included authorizing Deputy City Clerk Josi Miller to obtain a Notary Public commission for city business and granting a street closure request for Kids Bike Night scheduled for Aug. 23, 2026. The council also scheduled a special meeting for July 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to consider a Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation on a proposed rezoning application and tabled further discussion on the City Code codification update, including consideration of SUDAS standards.

The council approved routine consent items and the claims listing, which included $101,592.33 in total claims. Mayor Daniel Kunkel provided a report that included discussion of Baxter Fun Days; the council adjourned at 7:44 p.m.