The Stuart City Council held a special meeting Thursday night.

The Council heard from Stuart Enterprise for Economic Development member, along with lawyer, Warren Varley, who shared that he and his wife had a petition that had been signed 117 individuals who implored the Council to do what they can to try and improve funding with the Stuart Police Department, and making sure that the department had what they needed to function optimally. The Council then approved the hiring of a fifth officer, and for Police Chief Dave Reha to apply for a COPS Grant to try and help cover the cost of said fifth officer.

The Council also heard from Northland Public Finance representative Chip Schultz, who gave a review of the city’s operating budget dollars and payment of future debt, giving them a list of ways to help fund or pay for different items with cash on hand, and in a few years with tax revenue. He also urged the Council to not use bonds to try and cover expenses, as it would become difficult to be able to pay off those bonds and cover regular operating expenses without increasing the property tax levy.