The Anita City Council appointed Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem John Knutson as Mayor. Their action came during Wednesday’s City Council meeting. Knutson had served as Mayor Pro-Tem under Tom Harris, who died in December.

The City Council had the option to fill the position by a special election or by appointment. The latter means they’ll have to fill a council seat. In accordance with Iowa election laws, a notice pertaining to the open City Council seat will be published in the paper. Persons interested in filling the position are asked to contact the Anita City Clerk.

The Council also hired Eric Steffensen as the City’s new Public Works Director on Wednesday, and they authorized the Mayor to sign a new five-year 28E agreement with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. The Anita City Council approved the use of Local Option Sales Tax money to outfit ten volunteer firefighters with new equipment, as well.