One of notable topics discussed was the police department’s request to purchase new Taser 10 models, amounting to approximately $16,522. This decision came after recognizing the existing Tasers were nearing the end of their five-year life cycle, with the current contract expiring in December. The new Taser models promise enhanced features, such as longer range and improved accuracy, deemed essential for the department’s operational efficiency.

During the debate, concerns were raised about the budget implications, as the previous contract cost the city around $1,800 annually. The council weighed the necessity of immediate procurement against potential shipping delays and the urgency of replacing the outdated equipment. Ultimately, a motion to proceed with the purchase was made and passed.

Another discussion centered on the establishment of a stormwater fund, inspired by the model used in Jamesville. The proposal included introducing a capital stormwater charge on utility bills to address ongoing management issues. A suggested fee of $5 per resident aimed to accumulate approximately $30,000, facilitating necessary drainage system maintenance and improvements. The council considered this approach to ensure predictable and stable funding for stormwater projects, which could also be integrated into street project budgets for more efficient resource allocation.

Further, the council deliberated on the redetermination of benefits for the joint County ditch systems, highlighting the necessity of updating outdated benefit values established in the 1970s. Chris Howard provided an overview, explaining how the undervalued assessments create funding challenges for essential repairs. He emphasized the importance of accurate, updated assessments to prevent the city from spending more money than it can raise through levies.

In addition to these primary concerns, the council also reviewed potential updates to the pay policy for council members. There was a discussion about transitioning from a per meeting pay model to a salary-based system to provide consistency regardless of meeting attendance. Comparisons with other cities of similar population sizes revealed that New Richland’s compensation was modest, prompting a motion to table the discussion until the next meeting for further consideration.

Infrastructure and maintenance were also on the agenda, with the council discussing a proposed $1,900 American Roofing inspection for city-owned roofs. The inspection aimed to identify and address issues such as leaks, with an option for up to $500 in pre-authorized repairs for each roof. The council had previously opted for biennial inspections but skipped the last year, making this inspection timely and necessary.

The fire department report noted one medical call and one false alarm, while the police department reported 147 calls for service in August, totaling 1,653 for the year. A community event, “Night Out,” had been held at the beginning of August, requiring additional supplies sourced from a local store. Special recognition was given to emergency departments for their participation in the event.

Budget discussions extended to the 2025 projections, focusing on various funds and anticipated revenues. The council reviewed a “wish list” of proposed expenditures and discussed the challenges in ambulance revenue, noting discrepancies between anticipated and actual returns. Concerns about insurance costs and potential Local Government Aid (LGA) fluctuations were also highlighted, with the council aiming to set a flexible preliminary budget that could be adjusted as more concrete financial data became available.

Lastly, the meeting touched on committee assignments and scheduling challenges for council members. Jody Wynnemer was confirmed to remain on the Economic Development Authority (EDA) for the year, and there were suggestions to adjust meeting times to accommodate busy schedules. The council also approved the purchase of updated technology, including five tablets with a three-year protection plan, to streamline operations and potentially reduce future budgetary impacts.