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West Branch council sets strategic goals, approves deputy clerk job description and flags tax-levy mailing
Summary
Council adopted strategic goals for 2024, approved a Utility Billing/Deputy Clerk job description funded by multiple funds, set FY25 budget hearing and adoption dates, and the administrator warned residents about potentially confusing county tax-levy mailings under House File 718.
At its March 18 meeting the West Branch City Council approved Resolution 2024-25, establishing strategic goals and priorities to guide city budgeting and projects for 2024 and beyond. City Administrator Adam Kofoed said the council will set a public hearing on the final proposed FY25 budget at the April 1 meeting and plan to adopt the budget on April 15.
The council also approved Resolution 2024-24, adopting a proposed job description for a Utility Billing / Deputy Clerk position. Kofoed said the position will be funded from water, sewer, cemetery and clerk funds. Councilmember Nick Goodweiler asked whether the office would need reconfiguration to accommodate a fourth staff person; Kofoed said ideas have been discussed but no decisions were made.
Kofoed warned that the county will mail letters to property owners about the proposed maximum tax levy under House File 718 and that the form’s presentation may create confusion by appearing to show a large tax decrease—even though backend calculations mean that is not the case. He advised residents with questions to contact the city administrator or Finance Officer Heidi Van Auken.
Councilmember Jerry Sexton suggested adding pickleball courts at Wapsi Park as part of park priorities; Kofoed noted the West Branch Lions Club has identified possible legacy projects, including pickleball courts. The council approved both resolutions on motions recorded in the minutes (Resolution 2024-24 motion by Goodweiler, second by Horihan; Resolution 2024-25 motion by Goodweiler, second by Horihan) with unanimous votes among members present.
Also at the meeting, the council unanimously approved a Boy Scout Eagle project to add a decorative archway at the Hoover Trail entry; Boy Scout Dawson Brick said he hopes to raise $2,500 and secure a corporate sponsor to complete the work by September 2024.
