Cascade Council approves GO loan steps, health-plan renewal and ordinance readings; tables economic-development funding

The Cascade City Council on Nov. 10 approved several administrative and fiscal items in a single meeting segment, including additional actions on a proposed general-obligation (GO) loan, renewal of the city’s health-insurance plan with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and a second reading of an ordinance amending refuse collection rates.

Council opened and closed a public hearing on the proposed GO loan with no public comment and then approved a resolution taking additional action to proceed with the GO loan proposal. Next, council approved the health-insurance renewal effective Jan. 1, 2026, with a reported 1.26% premium increase; members characterized the increase as modest compared with prior years.

On utilities, council completed the second reading of Ordinance No. 4-25 to amend refuse collection rates (Title 6, Chapter 5, Section 9) but asked staff to clarify recent cleanup and appliance-disposal billing from the contractor (Republic), noting one recent invoice item that appeared high compared with the city’s $15 appliance tag fee. Councilors asked staff to get an itemized breakdown before future approvals to ensure charges are accurate.

Council also considered a request from Cascade Economic Development for FY2026 funds and voted to table that discussion until after the start of the calendar year so it can be aligned with budget conversations.

Other routine items included committee minutes, claims and staff reports. The council adjourned at the conclusion of the meeting.