Hartman Council Approves Park Internet, ATV Purchase
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT COVERAGE – HARTMAN CITY COUNCIL
by Megan Wylie
The Hartman City Council approved internet service for the city park, authorized the purchase of a Kubota side-by-side utility vehicle and unveiled a newly designed city flag during its July 13 meeting.
Mayor Jackie Weathers said internet service at the park would support security cameras and provide additional amenities for community events. He said criminal activity has occurred at the park and cameras could serve as both a deterrent and an investigative tool.
Weathers said a resident has offered to donate three security cameras, leaving the city responsible only for the $35 monthly internet service. He said internet access also would allow the city to livestream ballgames and provide vendor information during the Hartman Farmers’ Market, held each Saturday.
The Council unanimously approved installation of the service.
In a split vote, with Aldermen Elleen Steele and Larry Roberts voting against the measure, the Council approved purchasing a Kubota side-by-side utility vehicle for $15,000.
Weathers said the purchase was included in the city’s budget but he wanted Council approval before moving forward because several months had passed since the item was first discussed.
Alderman Earnest Tillery said the mayor was extending the Council a courtesy because additional approval was not required.
Weathers said he expects the vehicle to pay for itself within three years through reduced fuel and maintenance costs. He said the water department could use the vehicle to read water meters instead of using a truck, reducing operating expenses.
Roberts questioned whether purchasing a new vehicle was necessary while the water department continues to face financial challenges.
Weathers said the purchase would be made with city funds already budgeted for the expense, not water department funds. He also said the city needs a backup vehicle because its current ATV is old and requires frequent repairs.
The Council also unveiled Hartman’s newly designed city flag, created by Steele. Members agreed to install a flagpole at City Hall so the city flag can be displayed alongside the U.S. flag.
Other Matters
–Weathers reported the water department showed a profit in June but recorded a 45% water loss. He said he believes the figure may be inaccurate because recent leaks have been repaired.
Water Superintendent Richard Gregory said more than 80,000 gallons of water were used while fighting a recent house fire but did not believe that alone accounted for the loss.
Weathers said he would verify with Clarksville Connected Utilities when water meters are read each month to ensure Hartman’s reports are being generated at the correct time.
Tillery noted Spadra-Goose Camp made a double payment in June. Without that payment, he said, the water department would have reported a loss of about $5,000.
However, Tillery and Weathers agreed the department’s finances are improving following the June water rate increase.
–The Council selected the home at 218 Line Street as July’s Yard of the Month.
–Weathers reported the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the city park as the permanent location for the Hartman Farmers’ Market, held Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He said the market has been successful.
–Weathers said Jerry Padgett has been hired to mow the park each Friday. He praised Padgett’s work and said the arrangement does not increase city costs because Fire Chief Jeff Cole, who previously mowed the park, can focus on other responsibilities.
–Weathers said vegetation along an S-curve on Oak Street is limiting visibility. Because the overgrowth is on private property, he said the city is attempting to contact the property owner before clearing the area.
–The Council continued discussion of a proposed ordinance regulating small buildings. Aldermen agreed to bring ideas for the ordinance to the August meeting, and Weathers said he would seek guidance from the city attorney.
–Weathers reminded residents the filing period for municipal offices runs from July 29 through Aug. 5. He also announced Jimmy Dorney intends to run for mayor. Dorney, a former Johnson County sheriff, attended Monday’s meeting.
The Hartman City Council meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The next regular meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 10. Meetings are open to the public.
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Published In This Week’s Edition
This story appears in the July 22, 2026, edition of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Johnson and Franklin counties.
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Hartman officials displaying the city’s newly designed flag are (from left) Alderman Elizabeth Williams, Mayor Jackie Weathers, Aldermen Angela Padgett and Elleen Steele, Recorder/Treasurer Merrie Chrisman, and Alderman Dondi Elkins. Not pictured are Aldermen Earnest Tillery and Larry Roberts.
–Graphic photo by Megan Wylie