The council dedicated a portion of the meeting to unraveling a complicated water billing issue that had affected Holy Trinity Church. A representative from the church raised concerns about an unexpected spike in their water bill, which soared to $1,890, far exceeding the usual charges. The representative detailed the confusion, noting that the church had been receiving estimated bills due to the absence of a functional water meter. The discrepancy arose when a new electronic meter was installed, revealing a higher-than-expected water usage. This sudden increase led to a debate over the accuracy and fairness of the billing practices.

A council member clarified that prior to the installation of the new meter, the church was charged based on estimated readings, which did not accurately reflect their actual water usage. The representative argued for better communication from the city, asserting that the church was unaware of any issues until the exorbitant bill arrived. The council acknowledged the problem, admitting that the church was not informed about potential leaks or inaccuracies in the billing estimates. The representative requested a review of billing policies and sought a possible credit to offset the unexpected charge, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in municipal billing.

Parallel to the church’s situation, the council addressed a similar problem impacting a local school. The school had been overbilled due to incorrect software settings following the installation of a new water meter. This led to inaccurate water usage readings and subsequent sewer charges. The council deliberated on how to rectify the overbilling, ultimately deciding to issue a refund as a lump sum payment. This decision highlighted the ongoing challenges of maintaining accurate billing records and underscored the importance of regular system checks to prevent future errors.

Beyond water billing issues, the council shifted focus to the city’s financial management, particularly concerning the general fund and budget discrepancies. Discussions revealed a $170,000 over-budget situation attributed to various factors, including an early bond payoff and capital improvement allocations. Despite these challenges, some council members expressed confidence in the general fund’s stability, though others voiced concern about the accuracy of financial records and past over-budget expenditures.

In response to these financial concerns, the council approved a 5% levy increase for the upcoming budget year. This decision was supported unanimously. The council also discussed the importance of accurate financial reporting, with members acknowledging past difficulties in reconciling fund balances and expressing a renewed focus on ensuring the integrity of the city’s financial management practices moving forward.

Another topic was the city’s water supply infrastructure, particularly the need for a backup generator to ensure reliable water access during emergencies. The council explored grant opportunities to fund a new generator, emphasizing the urgency of the situation given the current lack of backup systems. The estimated cost for a new generator was around $48,000, with potential grant funding to offset some expenses.

The meeting also touched on various community initiatives, including the approval of a gambling application for the Goodhue Community Fund and discussions about upcoming local events. The council addressed a vacancy on the council, deciding to reopen the application process to attract more candidates. Additionally, the council reviewed updates on property casualty and workers’ compensation rates, noting a projected decrease for the upcoming year.