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Walnut Grove council approves pump purchase, to pay full paid-family-leave premium, and grants temporary liquor license
Summary
At its July 21 meeting, the Walnut Grove City Council approved purchasing a $13,126 submersible pump for the wastewater plant, agreed to pay 100% of the new paid family leave premium, authorized a temporary liquor license for a fire department open house, and approved a 2026 contribution to the Southwest Initiative Foundation.
Walnut Grove — The Walnut Grove City Council on July 21 approved several measures intended to maintain city services and meet upcoming legal obligations.
The council approved purchase of a replacement submersible pump for the wastewater plant after Kerwin Armitage reported the existing pump has failed. The purchase is based on a quote from Electric Pump for $13,126 plus shipping. Dylan Albertson moved to approve the purchase and Yeng Yang seconded; all council members voted in favor.
On personnel and benefits, council members discussed the new paid family leave law taking effect Jan. 1, 2026. The law’s premium rate of 0.88% of gross wages was noted; the employer must pay at least 50% of the premium but may choose to cover the full cost. Citing employees’ current 6.5% PERA withholding and the expectation that most employees will not use the benefit, the council voted that the city will pay 100% of the premium. The motion was made by Dylan Albertson, seconded by Dale Shannon, and carried unanimously.
Fire Chief Andy Foster requested and the council approved a temporary liquor license for a possible fire department open house in September. Sue West moved for approval; Yeng Yang seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Foster also said the new tanker has graphics applied and is in Mankato for light installation, and that state reimbursements for department training will exceed $13,000.
The council also approved a 2026 contribution to the Southwest Initiative Foundation (motion by Yeng Yang, seconded by Dylan Albertson), approved claims numbered 45203–45302, and approved minutes for the June 9 and June 23 meetings. All motions passed by unanimous vote.
