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New Germany council approves 2025 audit after auditors cite $8,000 seal-coat shortfall
Summary
City Auditor Sara Oberloh presented the 2025 audit, explaining an interfund loan for a fire truck and that an unscheduled repair left the seal-coat fund $8,000 short; council approved the audit and rescinded a prior sewer-backup insurance motion due to LMC eligibility rules.
Mayor Shirley Jaeger presided as the New Germany City Council on Feb. 17, 2026, and approved the city’s 2025 audit after a presentation from City Auditor Sara Oberloh.
Sara Oberloh, City Auditor, told the council the audit reflects an interfund loan tied to the city’s fire truck purchase and noted the seal-coat fund was short $8,000 after an unscheduled crack repair on 62nd Street (the cracks exceeded 1.5 inches). The shortfall was covered from the General Fund; Oberloh said other audit findings were within normal expectations. Council discussed options for an eventual clerk transition.
Council Member Paul Roepke moved to approve the 2025 audit; Council Member Kevin Grove seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5–0.
During routine business, councilors discussed municipal money-market interest rates and confirmed an employee review will be held on March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. City Clerk Twyla Menth reported that the city processed $63,137.48 in online payments for 2025 and noted a 2025 police refund of $233.69.
The council approved the consent agenda (which included approval of the Feb. 3 minutes, claims for payment, and financial reports) on a 5–0 vote (motion: Thomas Mielke; second: Kevin Grove). As part of consent-agenda business, the council rescinded a motion from its Feb. 3 meeting that had added extra sewer-backup insurance coverage. Councilors said the Local Municipal Coalition (LMC) insurance requires sewer laterals to be within 10 years to qualify for additional coverage; New Germany’s sewer laterals date from 2012–2014, so the coverage change was rescinded (motion to rescind made by Paul Roepke and seconded by Lorn Herrmann; carried 5–0).
Other items noted in department reports: Chris Barlau (FD/Public Works) presented draft 2027 fire township and city coverage contract figures; parks staff said New Germany signs are at Jake Floer and he will provide cost numbers; public works received OSHA-compliant gas cans and an issue was flagged about keeping an eyewash station at 68 degrees. An alley drainage issue at the Ron Eiden property was addressed by Hennings, who dug a trench to divert water. A building permit was recorded for a basement finish at 714 Black Forest Road. Council member and mayor reports were brief, and the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. following a unanimous motion to adjourn (Paul Roepke moved; Lorn Herrmann seconded).
