Bellechester council approves local maintenance schedule, fundraiser raffle and rehiring; water-rate decision tabled

The Bellechester City Council on March 19 approved several routine items and community requests, and postponed a decision on water and sewer rates pending further monitoring.

Council approved a request from Goodhue Baseball to hold a raffle fundraiser at the Tavern on May 18 after Ryan Holm presented the request; Council member Rich Majerus moved to approve and Council member Jacob Gilsdorf seconded. The council also voted to schedule seal coating for city streets, a motion moved by Council member Nick Keller and seconded by Rich Majerus. On personnel, Council member Nick Keller moved to rehire the 2024 mowing employee for 2025 with a second from Jacob Gilsdorf; Council member Rich Majerus abstained and the motion carried.

Council discussed but tabled a decision to set water and sewer rates because the new billing system cannot be customized; the minutes say the council will monitor usage under the new system before adopting specific rates. A proposed new dumpster at the old feed store was deferred until after summer. A request to relaunch Meals on Wheels was noted in the agenda, but the minutes do not record a formal action on that request.

Financial and administrative reports provided context for council actions: City Clerk Lisa Redepenning reported a savings balance of $42,655.31 (earned $1,207.72 interest), an interim sewer loan current balance of $161,815.86 (initial deposit $160,950), and an Edward Jones account with a 2024 ending balance of $114,693.09 (initial deposit $100,000). The clerk also noted the state will send 9.2% of the city's LGA this month, funds that are ordinarily disbursed in July and December.