The council approved a preliminary budget resolution which proposes a 15% increase in the levy for 2025. This comes after initial calculations showed a substantial shortfall in revenue for 2026 compared to 2025. Efforts by department heads to reduce expenses resulted in a slight increase of 2.8% in general fund expenses compared to the previous budget. Last year’s preliminary levy increase was at 18%, which was ultimately reduced to 4-5% by the end of the budget process. The council expressed confidence that they could similarly reduce the current preliminary levy in the coming months.

Another discussion centered around the upcoming changes to staff health insurance coverage. With Health Partners ceasing to provide coverage starting December 1st, staff were briefed on three new options, with selections due by October 3rd. Open enrollment for the new plans is set to begin soon.

The council also addressed a necessary amendment to the city code’s franchise ordinance, which will exempt commercial grain dryers from franchise fees. This change will affect only one business in the area, but it requires careful documentation and implementation, slated to be effective by July 1, 2025.

In other business, the search for a new clubhouse manager is underway, with a selection committee having narrowed the field to three qualified candidates. Interviews are set to take place, and a special council meeting is planned to approve the hiring based on the committee’s recommendation. The urgency in filling this position is due to the remaining season and the need for the new manager to familiarize themselves with the role.