By Karen Hall

Editor

In what councilman Robin Minor called "the highlight of the night," two lifeguards were awarded letters of commendation from the city council.

Sarah Tietgens and Tyler Curtis were recognized for their courage and heroism on June 10, when a 14-year-old sank to the bottom of the deep end of the Rec Center pool.

Without hesitation, Tietgens and Curtis jumped into the pool, rescued the boy, and performed CPR until Emergency Medical Services arrived.

Meanwhile, their fellow lifeguards also did essential jobs. Olivia Selvey got other swimmers out of the pool, Josh Lewis controlled the crowd, and Aaron Walters called 9-1-1.

"They averted a serious situation," said Minor. "The victim was close to losing their life."

"Thank you again," added Mayor Jim Bingham. "That's wonderful."

At their meeting Tuesday, the city council also unanimously approved an ordinance fixing the tax rate and setting the 2013-2014 budget.

A raise for city employees is included in the budget.

"Most city employees are aware there is a pay raise in this budget," said Bingham. "It's unique in that it is 1 percent for the highest paid employees, 2 percent for those in the middle range, and 3 percent for the lowest paid. We're trying to be equitable."

The mayor warned city employees not to assume they would get similar raises in future years.

"It's not to be considered something that will happen every year," Bingham said. "The circumstances might be completely different."

Once again, there is no increase in city taxes, as there has not been for more than 20 years.

"Three of us rookies can't say we had a big part in that," admitted Bingham. "It's thanks to the preceding councils who made sound fiscal decisions. We intend to continue that tradition while providing services that are needed."

The city also has a "healthy" fund balance, which has allowed them to purchase some sorely needed equipment, including a backhoe.

"It's a good budget," Bingham concluded. "It was thoughtfully considered (by councilmen) and I'd like to thank Donna (Park, city treasurer) for her diligence in putting it together."

The city's attorney, Steve Broadway, gave the council notice several months ago that he was no longer able to represent the city in court, and Tuesday councilmen appointed James Frazier of Lawrenceburg as assistant city attorney, mainly to work in City Court. Frazier's was the low bid for these services, at $1,500 per month.