Lamberton council approves 2026 budget, fee schedule and accepts $25,000 childcare grant

The Lamberton City Council on Dec. 8 approved the city’s 2026 budget and fee schedule, adopted a levy for 2026 collection with no increase, accepted a $25,000 childcare grant and approved routine departmental reports and claims.

Clerk Valerie Halter presented changes to the proposed 2026 budget. Council adopted Resolution 2025-24 to set the 2025 levy for collection in 2026 with a 0% increase at $838,000 (motion by D. lr1beck, seconded by A. Cairns; unanimous 5-0). The council also approved the 2026 fee schedule and the 2026 budget as presented (motions noted in minutes; unanimous 5-0). The December financial report and approval of claims were approved as presented.

Halter said the city had been awarded a $25,000 Taylor Family Farm Foundation grant to develop childcare services at the Valley View Long-Term Care Facility; the council received the notice and accepted donations (Resolution 2025-25) as part of the consent actions. The council also acknowledged that ambulance payroll under a new call/on-call policy exceeded the 2025 budget due to expanded coverage; the council accepted that the payroll was over budget by motion.

Operational items approved included acceptance of departmental reports (library, ambulance, fire and police) and a $8,732 purchase of radio equipment to restore communications between the water tower and wells. The council set upcoming meeting dates and adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Votes on the budget, levy and related items were unanimous; formal tax-rate documentation and any future fee changes will be reflected in adoption ordinances and budget records.