The council approved resolution 25-15, setting the preliminary tax levy for 2026, which must be submitted to the county by the end of the month. This resolution is important for planning the city’s financial future, as it establishes the groundwork for budgeting and tax collection. Additionally, the council authorized resolution 25-16, approving a lobbyist contract for the North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District. The contract came at a reduced cost compared to the previous year, saving the city approximately $1,400. This contract aims to secure necessary funding and support for the sewer project, which is anticipated to break ground next year.

Council members expressed concerns about the value of the lobbyist services, questioning whether the investment was justified given the project’s slow progress. However, it was noted that this could be the last year such services are needed, as the project is expected to advance soon.