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West Branch council approves FY2025 proposed budget for public hearing, clears site plans and sets water‑loan hearing
Summary
The West Branch City Council on April 1 approved the final proposed fiscal‑year 2025 budget for a public hearing, approved site plans for Newport Fabricating and Flynn Company, and set a hearing to consider up to $1.15 million in water revenue borrowing.
The West Branch City Council on April 1 approved Resolution 2024‑26 adopting the final proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 and ordered a public hearing for April 15, 2024, the council said. The motion to approve the budget resolution was made by Councilmember Tom Dean and seconded by Councilmember Jerry Sexton; the vote was unanimous among members present.
The council also approved three other items in the business portion of the agenda. Resolution 2024‑27 approved a site plan for Newport Fabricating, LLC at 145 Fawcett Drive. Resolution 2024‑28 approved a site plan allowing a temporary concrete plant for Flynn Company Inc. The council adopted Resolution 2024‑29 to fix a date for a public hearing on entering a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow a principal amount not to exceed $1,150,000; that resolution was moved by Dean and seconded by Sexton and passed on a unanimous vote.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution 2024‑26 (Final proposed FY2025 budget; set public hearing April 15, 2024). Motion: Dean; second: Sexton. Outcome: approved (AYES: Horihan, Goodweiler, Sexton, Dean; NAYS: none).
- Resolution 2024‑27 (Site plan approval for Newport Fabricating, LLC, 145 Fawcett Drive). Motion: Horihan; second: Goodweiler. Outcome: approved (AYES: Horihan, Goodweiler, Sexton, Dean; NAYS: none).
- Resolution 2024‑28 (Site plan approval for Flynn Company Inc. temporary concrete plant). Motion: Sexton; second: Dean. Outcome: approved (AYES: Horihan, Goodweiler, Sexton, Dean; NAYS: none).
- Resolution 2024‑29 (Set public hearing for Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement, principal amount not to exceed $1,150,000). Motion: Dean; second: Sexton. Outcome: approved (AYES: Horihan, Goodweiler, Sexton, Dean; NAYS: none).
Context and fiscal details
The consent agenda approved earlier in the meeting included claims and payroll that together totaled $98,633.00 across city funds; payroll and larger recurring expenses were listed in the packet. Finance Officer Heidi Van Auken outlined budget pressures during council comments, citing prior cuts and upcoming costs such as police cameras, library HVAC renovations, increased officer pay, street repairs, Main Street streetscaping and potential hiring at higher wages due to retirements. Van Auken cautioned against spending increases in the FY25 budget without offsetting revenues or reserves.
Next steps
The council set the public hearing on the FY2025 budget for April 15, 2024. The water‑loan item will proceed to a public hearing as required by Resolution 2024‑29. Other items approved, including the two site plans, were recorded as approved by vote during the meeting.
