During a recent government meeting in Elmo, residents raised pressing concerns regarding the local deer population and ongoing issues with property regulations.

One resident highlighted the significant increase in deer sightings, reporting 30 to 60 deer per night in his neighborhood, which has led to extensive damage to gardens. He urged city officials to revisit discussions about deer management strategies, including the possibility of managed hunts or hiring sharpshooters, which had previously been considered but seemingly fell off the agenda. The resident expressed frustration over the lack of action, emphasizing the detrimental impact on local gardens and the need for city assistance in addressing the issue.

Another resident, Jason Sumrex, shared his ongoing struggles with a fence he installed for his children's basketball hoop, which has led to fines and a complicated interaction with city officials. Sumrex detailed his attempts to comply with city regulations, including seeking permission before installation, but faced challenges when the city later deemed the fence a violation. He expressed dissatisfaction with the communication from city officials and the lack of clarity regarding the appeals process.

In addition to these community concerns, the meeting included updates on various construction projects. Luke Flurry from Ohm Advisors provided an overview of upcoming steps related to the State Revolving Fund (SRF) projects, indicating that some construction could begin as early as this fall, pending contractor availability and project approvals. Public Services Director Dave Ringle confirmed that water service line replacements are also anticipated to start soon, with plans for neighborhood meetings to keep residents informed.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session, indicating ongoing discussions that will continue in future meetings. Residents left with the hope that their concerns would be addressed and that the city would take proactive steps in managing both the deer population and property regulation issues.