Cascade council adopts FY26 budget, approves library payment with $10,000 retainage, and OKs two plats; votes at a glance

The Cascade City Council on April 28, 2025 adopted its fiscal year 2026 operating budget and approved a series of routine and project-specific resolutions, including a library pay application with a $10,000 retainage and final plats for two subdivisions. Several routine votes were unanimous.

The most significant action: Council adopted Resolution 41-25, the FY2026 operating budget (effective 07/01/2025–06/30/2026). The adoption followed a public hearing that drew no substantive public comment during the meeting.

Budget amendment hearing set: Council also approved Resolution 42-25, setting a public hearing for a FY2025 budget amendment on May 27, 2025.

Library payment and retainage: City staff told the council they would withhold $10,000 on Pay Application #15 for the Cascade Public Library because seating and some exterior finish work remain unresolved and responsibility between the engineer, architect and contractor is still being negotiated. Staff said the $10,000 will be retained until work is satisfactory. The council approved Resolution 44-25 with the updated $10,000 retainage.

Land plats approved: The council approved two final plats: - RJ Farm Number 2 (Resolution 45-25). Surveyor Mike Webber described the plat: the owners are dividing the farm into three lots for estate planning and selling some land to Jason McDermott for expansion of LP storage; Lot 1 is described as roughly 123 acres and Lot 2 roughly 125 acres, while Lot 3 is to be conveyed to McDermott Propane LLC. The plat requires county supervisors’ review because the property lies within two miles of Cascade city limits. - Oak Hill Number 19 (Resolution 46-25). Applicant Mike Beck said utilities (water, sewer, storm) are in the White Oak area and one street remains to be finished before final development; council members asked about street completion and tax/platting implications.

Other business and reports: Council proclaimed Stewardship Week (April 27–May 4, 2025). City staff reported ongoing public-works tasks, DOT paperwork on Highway 151 work, Eastern Iowa Excavating’s upcoming hydrant and water-main work on Tyler Street (with a one- to two-day street closure expected), final closeout work on a downtown housing grant to secure a final $240,000 reimbursement, and preparations for the city pool (new managers Zoe Klich and Izzy Robert). Council discussed local road corner safety near 'Steve Stalls' and possible delineators or pavement changes.

Votes at a glance (selected): - Resolution 41-25 (Adopt FY26 operating budget) — Passed (roll-call vote, recorded 'Aye'). - Resolution 42-25 (Set public hearing for 05/27/2025) — Passed (roll-call vote, recorded 'Aye'). - Resolution 43-25 (Update building inspection fees) — Tabled (see separate coverage). - Resolution 44-25 (Approve Pay Application #15 — Cascade Public Library) — Passed with $10,000 retainage. - Resolution 45-25 (Final plat RJ Farm Number 2) — Passed. - Resolution 46-25 (Final plat Oak Hill Number 19) — Passed.

What’s next: The council expects staff to return with a detailed review of ECIA billing for plan review and inspection work (related to the tabled Resolution 43-25). The budget amendment hearing is scheduled for May 27, 2025. Several approved projects proceed to their next administrative steps (county supervisor review for the RJ Farm plat; contractor/architect/engineer negotiations for the library work).