Arnold trustees approve routine claims, appoint pro tem and weigh trash and C&D rate increases

The Village of Arnold Board of Trustees approved routine claims, appointed a chairman pro tem and handled event permits at its Sept. 8 meeting while beginning deliberations on several budget items.

Patricia Lamberty, Village Clerk, called the meeting to order in the absence of Chairman Zach Hagler and reported the presence of trustees Glen Bowers and Jason Jenkins. On a motion by Jenkins, seconded by Bowers, the board appointed Donnell DeLosh as Chairman Pro Tem; roll-call votes recorded aye from Bowers, DeLosh and Jenkins.

The board approved the minutes of the Aug. 11 regular meeting and the Sept. 2 special meeting, accepted the treasurer's report and approved claims paid in August. The Clerk presented detailed claims on file (payroll, utilities, equipment and service contracts including Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska and Sargent Drilling Company). Because only three members were present, the board noted DeLosh could not abstain on an item involving Country Partners; after discussion Jenkins moved and Bowers seconded approval of the claims on file; the motion carried.

Event requests by Arnold Rotary for an annual Pancake Feed and a Fun Run/Walk during Fall Festival were approved, and the board approved the parade route (same route as last year). The board approved Economic Development Fund claims totaling $5,729.66.

On budget matters, trustees reviewed the proposed 2025–26 budget and discussed raising the residential trash rate from $15.00 to $17.50 per month (the proposed increase would include use of the roll-off container for furniture and mattresses). The board noted appliance disposal fees are currently charged at $20 but cost the village $25 per appliance at the Custer County Transfer Station; further discussion of trash rates is scheduled for Oct. 13.

The board reviewed Construction & Demolition site finances for Oct. 2020–Aug. 2025 (revenue $34,267.15; expenses $109,497.51, including $63,845 in engineering for a major modification to Cell No. 1) and discussed raising C&D rates from $50 to $60 per ton; this item is also set for further discussion on Oct. 13.

Superintendent Tory reported that he, Patricia Lamberty and another village representative met Aug. 19 with Christopher Sirvas of the Western Area Power Administration and stated, "WAPA’s rates will be going up by 6% in January 2026." He also reported a bearing at the wastewater plant had been installed with assistance from TK’s Welding & Fabrication.

Clerk Lamberty announced a Budget Hearing/Property Tax Hearing special meeting on Sept. 22, 2025; she also noted the Custer County Board of Supervisors will discuss continuation of the county recycling center at its Sept. 9 meeting. With no further business, Chairman Pro Tem Donnell DeLosh adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Appoint Donnell DeLosh as Chairman Pro Tem — Mover: Jason Jenkins; Second: Glen Bowers; Outcome: Approved (Aye: Bowers, DeLosh, Jenkins). - Approve minutes (Aug. 11 regular; Sept. 2 special) — Outcome: Approved (Aye: Bowers, DeLosh, Jenkins). - Approve August claims paid and claims on file — Outcome: Approved (Aye: Bowers, DeLosh, Jenkins). - Approve Economic Development Fund claims ($5,729.66) — Mover: Glen Bowers; Second: Jason Jenkins; Outcome: Approved. - Approve Arnold Rotary events permit (Pancake Feed and Fun Run/Walk) — Outcome: Approved. - Approve Fall Festival parade route — Outcome: Approved. - Authorize Chairman to sign Urban and Community Forestry grant documents — Outcome: Approved. - Accept Ordinance Recodification Proposal and authorize 20% deposit ($1,544) — Outcome: Approved.