The Ferdinand Town Council met Tuesday and:

• Heard that the police department hired a new officer. Joshua Clause will replace Officer Theo Bieker, who retired this month after 32 years with the department.

• Heard that the fire department will hire two new firefighters, pending drug screenings.

• Heard from the property and street department that Town Hall will be painted soon as part of renovations, which the board previously approved. “That town hall hasn’t been touched since we opened it up, which is about 20 years ago now,” Council President Ken Sicard said. The town hall exterior renovation should be done by the end of the year.

• Heard from Town Manager Chris James that several participants graduated from the Dubois County Leadership Academy. The participants were split into two teams and gave their final project presentations Nov. 12.

• Opened nine bids for an Altec electric truck and took the low bid of $10,300.

• Approved extending Ferdinand’s current emergency order for another month. The council will determine if the order is extended again at next month’s meeting on Dec. 15.

• Heard that the second round application for the Community Crossings grant has been submitted. The grant would target nine different sections of roads throughout Ferdinand.

• Heard that the town received $72,446 in CARES Act funding reimbursement, which will be used for public health, public safety and payroll costs.

• Heard that the 2018-19 State Board of Accounts audit was completed. The audits are usually done in person but have moved to virtual due to COVID-19.