The Yates Center City Council approves a measure that makes it more difficult to eliminate a city department.

 

The move comes after a recent vote by the council to disband the Yates Center Police Department. That decision was almost immediately reversed in a vote at a special meeting held the next day.

 

The new ordinance passed this week establishes a formal process that would include a 30-day advance publication, a public hearing, discussion during two separate council meetings, and approval by a super majority vote. These steps would be required before the council can eliminate any department or reduce any department workforce by 25% or more.

 

Nearly 100 citizens attended this week's council meeting for the vote.