Council committee approves $65,000 appropriation for card fees, postage and water meters

At a Finance Committee meeting on Aug. 4, 2025, the committee approved a request for appropriation of $65,000 to cover three operating needs: $10,000 for credit- and debit-card processing fees, $5,000 for postage and $50,000 to buy water meters to support the city's service line replacement program. The appropriation passed on unanimous consent. Council Member Parker moved the item and Council Member Cost seconded; committee members signified approval by voice vote. The staff presenter said the additional $10,000 is needed because the city absorbs merchant fees when residents pay by card and the $50,000 purchase will "purchase about 800 more meters" to "keep up the pace" of the service line replacement program. The $5,000 is for mailers and other postage. Committee members asked no follow-up questions during the item and advanced the appropriation on consent to the full council for final action. Looking ahead, the staff presenter indicated this appropriation is intended to carry operations through the end of the year; no further budget actions or changes were authorized in committee during the meeting.