Next week is set to be a busy one for the Joplin city council. Council members will be on hand at the unveiling of a new mural this weekend and will meet for four consecutive nights starting Monday. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

Council members are expected to be on hand for Sunday’s celebration of the Joplin Unity mural, created by Kansas City-based artist Alexander Austin at the intersection of Main St and W. 1st St in downtown Joplin.

The council will then get to work Monday night with a full agenda, including an update regarding how the city has used American Rescue Plan Act funds. The following day, the council will focus on the 2023 budget.

City officials and council members have been attacked for insufficient budget transparency. Some residents have been vocal about the city tightening up its finances to ensure that its fire personnel receive a pay increase and a new contract.

Last week on an emergency basis, the city council approved an 11.7% wage increase for the city’s police workforce. The council’s meeting on Monday night gets underway at 5:45. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro