The City of Deafell Finance Committee approved the recommended 2026 public works budget on Sept. 29 after members discussed salt purchasing, parts maintenance and the effects of budget line amounts on state transportation-aid forms.

Public works staff said the salt line was increased to $150,000 in the recommended budget and that parts maintenance for parks had been decreased from $62,000 to $55,000. One committee member proposed reducing the salt estimate to $120,000–$130,000 and restoring parts back to $62,000; staff cautioned that lowering the salt figure on the transportation-aid form could affect the city’s reported needs to the state and recommended leaving the number conservative and transferring any surplus later if needed.

Staff provided a unit price for rock salt of $90.45 per ton and said last year’s salt bill was roughly $89,000. They also reported an on-hand inventory (staff said “1,050 pounds in there,” recorded in the transcript) and noted past state arrangements when the state agreed to take unused salt after a mild winter.

Alderperson Ken Olsen seconded the motion to approve the public works budget; the roll-call vote recorded ayes from Alderperson Smith, Alderperson Olsen, Alderperson Newman, Alderperson Leithner and Alderperson Baker. The motion carried.

Staff added a note on the budget that would allow transfers later in the year if salt or parts needs differ from the adopted figures.