CEYLON — The Ceylon City Council met on Tuesday evening. The first draft of the 2026 budget was given to the council members and work on the budget will begin soon with the mayor and the clerk, and members who would like to help.

The city employee report focused on the water issues in the city. A water shut-off was still on in an abandoned house and was stopped. He hoped that would help resolve the water issue with a resident having standing water. The other water issue was that a manganese problem needs to be treated, and the water is off color because of the old sediments in the old water system. Bolton and Menk Engineer Travis Winter explained some of the issues and stated that the filter is working, but the water treatment plant was built in 1980 something and will likely need some major work in the next two to five years. He and the city employee stated that there is back flushing done several times a week to try to clear up the color. When asked when that might be, the two said they could not estimate but that it would clear up, hopefully in a few weeks. The water used by farmers may need to be out of order until it clears up, or load water from the water tower until the water issues are over.

A contract with the Martin County Sheriff’s team was approved at $87 per hour. Possible cost. The Sheriff reminded them that any ordinance enforced must be registered with them and the state. A discussion was held about getting a lawyer to update ordinances instead of the council Mayor Judith Perkins felt she could update the ordinances. She requested the council to act upon getting someone to do the grant writing for the city.

In the public comments and questions, a resident asked for an investigation into the notice they received about their sewer not being in compliance. They showed the bills they had from having Day Plumbing using their camera and showing no problem and being up to code, and explained that they felt there was a mistake about the non-compliance notice. They stated that their blue PVC pipe for two connections is approved for sewer. The council thanked them for bringing the situation to light and told them they will investigate.

In other business:

— After the public hearing on the Rural Service District ordinance for 2026, the council approved the ordinance. This lowers the tax to 25 percent on rural land that does not use utilities but is within the city limits.

— The council approved a 2025-2026 liquor license for the Lake Belt Bar and Grill.

— There was a discussion about the flags on the light poles deteriorating. They should be taken down. The council suggested leaving them up, and if they are not usable next time, then a flag that would stand up to wind etc., should be purchased.

— The Ash Trees in the park should be treated. Two council members volunteered to work on that.

— The Vendors at the Summer Auction day on July 19, will pay $50 fee was approved.

The Council went into closed session.

The next meeting of the Ceylon City Council will be at 6 p.m. on July 12 at City Hall.