Candidates applications received for open council member seats

Current members to hold interviews of four applicants this month

OTHELLO — Current Othello City Council members will ask questions of the people wishing to sit alongside them, at their next meeting.

The City of Othello received four applications for the council position being vacated by the mayoral election between Councilmen Marc Spohr and Shannon McKay. McKay, who is currently serving as the city's Mayor Pro-Tem, was at last count winning the mayoral race by 78 votes.

Candidates will go through the process Nov. 28, as the four candidates explain why they want the post.

"We'll look forward to visiting with you at our next meeting," McKay told the candidates at Monday's meeting

The vacant seat was one of many items discussed at Monday's meeting, where city officials spent much of their time going over the city's preliminary 2006 budget. The council will hold a public hearing on the budget at their Nov. 28 meeting.

Also at Monday's meeting:

? Council members unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with Teamster Local Union No. 760 for the city's police sergeants.

? The council unanimously approved interlocal agreements with Adams County Fire District No. 5 and Adams County Hospital District No. 3 to provide dispatch services to the two entities through 2007.

? The council unanimously approved purchase of a 1989 Ford ambulance from Othello Community Hospital for $500.

? The council postponed action on a plan that would amend the council's ability to take action at it's monthly workshop meeting. Council members currently cannot take action at workshops. Action was postponed to allow the council time to mull over the plan.