01:56A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the preliminary budget for 2026 and the property tax levy, with an emphasis on the need to finalize the levy amount early in the budgeting process. This early determination is important for aligning budget requests and avoiding unnecessary cuts. Preliminary numbers from the county assessor were presented. If the tax rate were maintained, the city could see an increase of approximately $153,000 in property tax funding compared to the previous year, leading to varying tax implications for different property types.

05:52In addition to property tax discussions, there was a focus on the legislative session’s impact, especially regarding Local Government Aid (LGA), which remains uncertain until the state certifies the amount. The council was also briefed on the implementation of the state paid leave and medical act starting in January, which requires the city to cover at least 50% of the cost, potentially amounting to $7,500 to $15,000. This led to conversations about whether the city should absorb more costs to enhance employee benefits.

10:30The capital improvement plan (CIP) was another focal point, with discussions about necessary updates and maintenance strategies. Notably, the last comprehensive CIP was conducted in 2006, and there is a pressing need to address street projects and maintenance, including crack filling, seal coating, and milling overlays. The council is considering revisiting its assessment policy, particularly concerning new developments and their impact on street costs.

Water and wastewater management also featured prominently, with projected upgrades and maintenance costs exceeding $7.1 million over the next decade. A second lagoon at the wastewater treatment plant needs to be activated, incurring additional electricity costs. The bio solid study from 2014 requires updating to reflect current technologies and costs, with expenses estimated between $900,000 and $1.6 million.

15:53The meeting also addressed debt service obligations, with ongoing payments for bonds supporting city infrastructure projects. Notably, bonds from 2012 and those related to the water treatment plant will be paid off by 2028 and 2030, respectively. The implications of issuing new bonds for street utility projects were discussed as they could affect future debt service commitments.

31:44Infrastructure upgrades extended to public works and recreational areas, with plans to replace sidewalks and develop a comprehensive pavement improvement plan. Emphasis was placed on coordinating these efforts with other city projects, and the need for a systematic approach to road maintenance was highlighted. Funding options, such as assessments and franchise fees from utility companies, were discussed as potential sources for supporting these initiatives.

37:53In the realm of community amenities, attention was directed toward the DRS ball field, where improvements have been made, including a drainage system recommendation. The need to address aging lights at the field, estimated to cost $350,000, was raised, with discussions about potential contributions from the local baseball team, the Aces, yet to commence.

19:08The council also considered the city’s human resources needs, with a compensation study underway to evaluate employee pay scales and benefits. The study’s findings, expected at the next council meeting, aim to ensure competitiveness in the job market and address any gaps in the city’s benefits offerings, particularly in relation to dental insurance coverage.

47:24Planning and zoning discussions included a Request for Proposals (RFP) that had recently closed, with evaluations of submissions underway. Code enforcement costs and vehicle equipment replacements were also noted as areas requiring attention.