Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — Monday was the first Spencer City Council meeting of the new year. Police Chief Mark Warburton had his final activity report.

Last month the city council approved higher wages and sign-on bonuses for officers. Warburton says that has brought new candidates forward to fill several vacant positions.

Fire Chief Jesse Coulsen also had numbers for his department.

Temporary funding that allows two employees to staff the fire department 24 hours a day for faster response times runs out this month. City Manager Kevin Robinson says permanent funding for double-staffing will be discussed during the budgeting process that has begun for the fiscal year that starts July 1st.