Omar Strohm News Today

Altoona City Council is correct in its reluctance to rush into naming a permanent city manager, but a question hovers over the hiring issue. That question is: Is there anything about Altoona that is a turn-off to candidates with the experience and mettle to address this community’s various issues and unfinished business while maintaining a […]

The city has a new interim manager. On Monday, City Council voted to accept the return of Interim Manager Joe Merrill to his regular position as chief of police, while also elevating Public Works Director Nate Kissell to the interim manager post. The switch reflects the city’s failure to attract a suitable permanent manager candidate […]

City Council on Monday accepted City Manager Omar Strohm’s retirement, appointed Police Chief Joe Merrill as his interim replacement and named Deputy Police Chief Derek Swope as interim police chief. Strohm has retired after 21 years as an Altoona employee, including the most recent three in the top administrative post. Strohm, 61, will become associate […]

City Council Monday adopted a budget for next year that calls for a half-mill tax hike, increasing the bill for a property assessed at $100,000 by $50 — for a total of $563 in city real estate tax. City Manager Omar Strohm initially proposed a budget calling for no tax hike, but it covered a […]

Despite a proposed 2024 budget last month calling for no property tax increase, City Council Monday approved a tentative budget that includes a half-mill hike. If council adopts the budget next month, the tentative increase will mean that the owner of a property assessed at $100,000 will pay $50 more next year, for a total […]

A Dallas-based firm will put together a formal proposal for management of parking in downtown Altoona, following an introductory presentation this week to the A

Time and opportunity will be available for Altoona residents, through August, to provide input regarding a new citywide comprehensive plan. Because of all the

Several years ago, when the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission was helping its six counties put together a comprehensive plan, a late idea e

The city has enlisted Altoona Blair County Development Corp. to help organize a builders’ fair to encourage development of housing on lots that are not attrac

The city has postponed its opening day extravaganza for Prospect Pool by a week, from the originally scheduled May 27 to June 3. The delay is necessary becaus