The Indianola City Council met in regular session Monday, which included dozens of public comments discussing a budget proposal that would stop the city funding of Kiya Koda Humane Society from the city that amounted to $54,000 last year from the hotel/motel taxes. Public comment also included from members of the Indianola Police Department regarding police leadership COLA raises being half of the police union membership raises of 6%.

The council approved the appointment of Matt Garrett to the Parks & Recreation Commission, a revised Preliminary Plat for Pickard Commerce Park, and elected to fill the vacant city council position via appointment citing the upcoming election in November.

After the meeting, the council held a work session discussing the city budget difficulties heading into FY26 including a possible rise in sewer rates, the hotel/motel tax distribution, and city funding reserves.

The work session included discussions from Indianola Main Street, the Indianola Chamber, and Kiya Koda Humane Society for funding from the hotel/motel tax revenue, which has a current proposal to give funds to the Indianola Wellness Campus for Capital Improvement Projects, Indianola Parks and Rec, Warren County Economic Development, and more.

The council gave direction to the city to uphold an agreement with Indianola Main Street for $45,000, and split up the remaining approximately $22,000 for others.

The council also gave direction to the Indianola Police Department to turn possible restitution information from owners of loose animals picked up by Kiya Koda over to the Warren County Attorney’s Office for a possible funding source.

No official action was taken during the work session.