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Council amends budget; water and sewer fund increases include equipment and tower work, board seeks usage data on proposed skid steer
Summary
The Board approved an amended budget that increases general and water and sewer fund expenditures, including capital outlays for a proposed skid steer, a roller and costs tied to a Meadows water tower interior project; aldermen asked staff for usage and rental‑cost data on the skid steer before purchase.
Rebecca (staff member) presented an amended budget and line‑by‑line changes for the general fund and the water and sewer fund, and asked aldermen to consider the adjustments.
Rebecca said general fund changes reflected timing and project invoices and that capital outlay for police vehicle equipment and a Jackson Street overlay were adjusted. For the water and sewer fund, staff reported revenues would be about $450,000 more than originally budgeted while expenditures were about $212,330 higher, driven in part by capital equipment and storm damage repairs.
Trevor (public works staff) described specific line items under the water and sewer fund. He said the department proposes purchasing a new skid steer because an older 2003 model incurred an estimated $12,000 repair that exceeded the machine’s value. He said the Meadows water tower interior repair was budgeted at $150,000 but staff now estimate $175,000–$200,000 once work begins. On insurance, staff clarified the city carries a $10,000 deductible that applies to all city structures; the higher deductible was chosen to lower premiums.
Board members pressed for more detail before authorizing purchases. One alderman asked how many hours the current skid steer logged; Trevor said it was “somewhere around 2,400 hours.” A board member asked for a cost comparison with rental and the number of hours per year; staff agreed to provide the usage and rental‑cost information before a purchase decision.
The ordinance amending the budget proceeded through first and second readings and was approved by the board. Staff noted that amending the budget does not itself authorize purchase contracts; standard procurement procedures remain in place and individual capital purchases will return to the board for required approvals where applicable.
