The Oak Grove City Council convened on September 29, 2025, to discuss several key issues affecting the community, including budget updates, public utility bills, and a presentation from the local school district.

During the meeting, Mayor Ralph provided an overview of the preliminary budget, which includes a proposed levy increase of 4.95%. This increase is accompanied by a slight reduction in the tax rate, resulting in an estimated 1.69% decrease in property taxes for residents based on 2025 home evaluations. The council emphasized that while they can reduce the budget, they cannot increase it before the end of the year.

A significant topic of discussion was the annual public hearing regarding delinquent utility bills. The council reminded residents that any outstanding utility bills over 90 days would be certified to property taxes by November 15, 2025. The city encouraged residents to settle their bills or arrange payment plans to avoid this certification.

The meeting also featured a presentation from the ISD 15 school district, delivered by interim school board member Jessica Vakim Kleven. She reported that the district has enrolled approximately 4,100 students for the 2025-2026 school year and highlighted improvements in indoor air quality across school facilities. The district is also focusing on community engagement through public committees and events, aiming to foster collaboration with local residents.

In addition, the council addressed the resignation of Gene Hodel from the parks commission, acknowledging his contributions and dedication to the community. The council discussed the process for selecting a replacement, indicating a preference for choosing from previously interviewed candidates rather than reopening the application process.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to fiscal responsibility and community engagement, while also addressing pressing issues related to public utilities and local education. The council plans to continue its collaborative efforts with the school district and the community as they move forward.