The most significant topic of the meeting was the approval of the proposed 2025 budget, which introduced a new approach to funding city operations and capital improvements. The new budget aims to create designated funds for future capital outlay needs, moving away from the reliance on the general fund. This shift is designed to build reserves for various departments. The budget also allocates funds for capital improvements, addresses ongoing union negotiations for salary increases, and sets aside money for the transition to a full-time fire chief.

The budget outlines a projected 3% increase in salaries based on historical trends, while also accounting for a potential rise in property and liability insurance costs, as well as health insurance increases due to more employees opting for family coverage. Despite these increases, the city anticipates a 7.6% rise in fiscal disparities distribution, amounting to approximately $117,000, and additional state assistance of $664,000 designated for street reconstruction.

A significant aspect of the budget is the property tax levy, which is projected to increase substantially due to the elimination of prior transfers from the general fund. This will result in the general fund portion of the levy seeing the most significant increase compared to previous years. For the median home, valued at around $375,500, the estimated impact is an increase of $131.31. This change seeks to ensure a more sustainable financial approach moving forward.

In tandem with the budget discussions, the council addressed amendments to Chapter 25 of the city ordinances, which pertain to district court civil abatement actions and the recovery of related costs. These revisions aim to clarify procedures for compliance with city code and emphasize the importance of exhausting all reasonable measures before initiating any district court civil action. Residents will have the opportunity to present their cases in front of a district court judge on a criminal misdemeanor citation regarding any alleged violations of the city code. The amendments also outline procedures if the district court finds in favor of the city and orders remediation, providing a 30-day period for residents to seek a stay of the remediation order, thereby allowing them time for an appeal. Additionally, the amendments clarify circumstances under which the prevailing party can seek reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

The council also considered a proposal for engineering services to develop a stormwater utility, which would create a dedicated fund to cover stormwater-related costs. This utility aims to charge properties that currently do not contribute to city property taxes, such as churches, schools, and the state prison, for their use of the stormwater infrastructure. The proposal includes creating a residential equivalency factor to help determine fees for various property types and establishing a database to manage billing as changes occur within the city. The council recognized that while this could be perceived as a new tax, it is, in fact, a restructuring of existing expenditures to promote fairness.

Molly Thompson from Schlenner Wender & Company presented the 2023 year-end audit, which resulted in an unqualified or clean opinion. However, the audit revealed a lack of proper segregation of duties within the accounting department and identified a missing withholding affidavit on the library renovation project. The audit also highlighted operating losses within the water and sewer funds when accounting for non-cash depreciation, emphasizing the need for monitoring operating revenues and expenses. The council accepted the 2023 audit report without opposition.

Additionally, the council discussed the financial management plan, which initially proposed a substantial levy increase exceeding 20 percent. This proposal was met with resistance, leading to a reevaluation to lower the expected increase. The refined plan aimed to address future infrastructure needs without placing an undue burden on residents, with one council member noting that the levy increase would result in approximately 36 cents a day for the median home, while emphasizing the importance of funding city services.

Community updates included reports from various committees and city staff. The library board is seeking new members, and upcoming events include a kids’ book sale, a program called “Wiggle Wiggly Jiggles” at Pero Park, and a movie for children. The police department reported a grant approval of $118,000 for body cameras and announced upcoming community events, including the Bayport Bash and the St. Charles Fall Festival. A scam awareness class is scheduled for November 7 at the Bayport Library, aimed at educating residents about prevalent scams targeting seniors.

The meeting concluded with updates on ongoing projects, including the completion of the lead service line inventory and restoration efforts at Barker’s Elps Park. The council also discussed efforts to secure a grant for solar power installation at the fire hall and addressed upcoming elections and zoning ordinance amendments.