The council meeting’s primary focus was the presentation of the 2024 audit report by Tom Mullinger, a long-time governmental service partner with Janesville. Mullinger announced that the city received an unmodified opinion. This outcome was accompanied by adjustments related to the implementation of GASB 101, concerning compensated absences and how the city records expected payments for sick leave. Mullinger emphasized the importance of maintaining legal compliance with state statutes, highlighting that sample testing revealed no instances of non-compliance. However, he noted ongoing challenges with financial statement preparation due to limited segregation of duties.

Mullinger detailed the city’s financial metrics, noting that the general fund balance currently stands at 36%, just under the policy target of 40%. This was attributed to a decrease in projected expenditures rather than an increase in fund balance. He remarked on the rising costs that complicate efforts to maintain flat expenditures year-over-year and suggested that the city should consider bolstering its reserves. The general fund’s budgetary performance showed revenues and expenditures coming in under budget, contributing to a stable fund balance despite inflationary pressures.

The council’s attention then turned to parking regulations on Main Street, a recurring issue revisited every few years. The discussion centered on whether to enforce current regulations, remove signage, or adopt a new approach. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of signage for the three-hour parking limit and staffing limitations in enforcement. The council considered “light enforcement” through informal conversations with vehicle owners rather than formal citations. Complicating the matter was the difficulty in tracking vehicle registrations, especially for cars not registered to current addresses, and the potential use of video surveillance was discussed as a costly yet effective solution.

A proposal was made to send a mailer to business owners and tenants to remind them of parking regulations and encourage compliance. The importance of maintaining parking regulations was emphasized, with concerns that removing them could lead to chaotic parking detrimental to local businesses. Ultimately, the council leaned toward sending out the mailer and addressing complaints as they arose.

The fire department’s equipment needs were also a significant topic. The council discussed replacing aging air packs and a second home tanker vehicle, both over 20 years old. The urgency of these replacements was underscored by the increasing difficulty in obtaining parts for the old equipment. While the financial implications of these upgrades were considered, the council recognized the necessity to ensure the fire department remains fully operational and equipped to handle emergencies.

Additionally, the meeting addressed community feedback on local events. A local music event received praise for its performance despite the Moond Dog game drawing fewer attendees than in previous years, sparking discussions on improving future events.

Lastly, the council revisited ongoing issues regarding the Civil War Memorial, proposing its relocation to a more central park location. Concerns about the memorial’s current state and the feasibility of its relocation were discussed, with suggestions that the American Legion could assist with associated costs.