New Germany council adopts 2025 preliminary levy, approves water contract and street repairs

The City of New Germany council on Sept. 17 adopted a Preliminary Levy for 2025 of $434,802 and approved several utility and public-works measures, voting unanimously on each recorded motion.

Ehlers consultant Jeanne Vogt presented the updated Financial Management Plan and said the city's tax rate would be reduced by about 3% to roughly 69.917% under current projections; she also noted the homestead market value exclusion had risen from $413,800 to $517,200. Based on that presentation, Council passed Resolution 2024-16 adopting the 2025 Preliminary Levy of $434,802 (motion by Councilmember Kevin Grove, second by Councilmember Thomas Mielke; vote 5-0).

Council approved a three-year contract with People Service to maintain the city's water-treatment plant, wastewater ponds and locate services. People Service representative Greg Stang said inflation had increased the contract cost by roughly 7 to 7.5% overall, with price adjustments each October; Council approved the contract by motion (mover Kevin Grove, seconder Paul Roepke; vote 5-0).

On public-works items, Council approved a quote from Bargen for major street crack repairs on Hilda and 62nd Street for $13,230 (mover Lorn Herrmann, seconder Paul Roepke; vote 5-0). Staff also reviewed options to upgrade water meters, discussing Core & Main pricing for Sensus meters and antenna (AMI) options; staff will include meter scenarios in the Utility Plan to present worst-case cost estimates before Council action.

Clerk and staff reported routine building-permit activity and fire-department updates, including that a tanker left yesterday and a fire station garage rehab may start soon. The Council approved the consent agenda (minutes, claims and financial reports) and adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

No ordinance changes or budget-final actions were adopted at this meeting; the Preliminary Levy is subject to further notice and any statutory levy-adoption deadlines.