Walnut Grove council approves fire and ambulance budgets and several routine motions

The Walnut Grove City Council met Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 and voted to forward the 2025 fire and ambulance budgets to the townships and approved several routine motions and claims.

Mayor Ron Stubbe called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The council voted unanimously to approve the 2025 fire and ambulance budgets for submission to the townships after the clerk presented budgets based on 2024 revenues and expenses and chiefs requested no changes. The council set the annual fire and ambulance budget meeting with townships for Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the fire hall.

On separate motions the council: - Authorized Tom Hansen to attend the second forfeited tax auction on March 26 and approved a motion (Dylan Albertson moved; Dale Shannon seconded) to purchase the lot where the Walnut Grove sign currently sits if contested, with authority not to exceed $2,000; the motion carried unanimously among members present. - Approved a motion (Sue West moved; Dale Shannon seconded) to solicit bids and replace shingles at the Bar & Grill, citing expected material cost increases; the motion carried unanimously. - Approved a motion (Sue West moved; Dale Shannon seconded) to accept a $5,000 grant from the Walnut Grove Area Foundation for a training mannequin for the ambulance department; the motion carried unanimously. - Approved claims 44891–44946 (motion by Dale Shannon; second by Sue West), approved the Jan. 13, 2025 regular meeting minutes and Jan. 23, 2025 special meeting minutes (motion by Dale Shannon; second by Sue West), and voted to adjourn (motion by Dale Shannon; second by Sue West). All votes were recorded as unanimous among members present.

The motions passed at the meeting were routine approvals and budget-submission actions; the budgets will next be considered by the participating townships. The council will revisit outstanding items such as the longevity stipend for ambulance personnel at a future meeting.