The Panora City Council met in regular session Monday.

The meeting began with an update from Midwest Partnership Economic Development Director Sarah Gomez. She mentioned some changes the corporation has undergone in the past year, such as its coverage of four counties to now just Adair and Guthrie counties, and the organization’s recent joining with Greater Des Moines Partnership. The Council asked Gomez what challenges Panora is facing in attracting new business, which she responded is a lack of available buildings, adding it’s positive and a negative.

Next, the Council tabled discussion and goal setting related to a housing needs assessment they recently received, as Council member Curtis Thornberry was absent. The Council then approved authorizing a purchase of no more than $25,000 for a snow plow truck, and decided they will take action on the disposal of their 1995 truck after the additional truck is received. Finally, the Council approved increasing their fee to utility customers by $10 to $35, for returned payments due to insufficient funds, closed, or inactive accounts. This increase is due to a new $10 processing fee the City is being charged by Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, which was formerly known as Panora State Bank.