Melbourne council approves final draft of 2020 budget and authorizes maintenance purchases

Melbourne City Council approved the final draft of the city’s 2020 budget and several routine maintenance purchases during its Feb. 11 meeting at the Melbourne Library basement.

The council voted unanimously to approve a budget showing $873,578 in total expenditures and $917,941 in estimated total revenue for 2020. City Clerk Mary Pothast said she corrected missing re‑estimated figures earlier in the day before presenting the final pages; council member C. White made the motion to approve and Stahl seconded. The council then directed the clerk to publish a public hearing notice for March 11; that motion, made by Gibbs and seconded by Juel, also passed unanimously.

The approved budget draft projects a growing fund balance, a point the clerk highlighted as a positive sign for the city’s finances. The council’s approval at this meeting was to advance the document to its public hearing and does not constitute final adoption.

Council members also approved several facility and equipment items. Public Works reported a pickup sustained rear damage while plowing; the adjuster issued payment and Public Works recommended replacing the standard bumper with a heavy‑duty Go Rhino 28173T bumper at a quoted cost of $925, to be installed by Brian’s Collision in State Center. Gibbs moved to purchase the Rhino bumper and authorize installation; the motion passed with all ayes.

The council approved replacing a City Hall garage door after Public Works obtained bids; ADAM’s Garage Door Company (DH Pace) submitted the low bid of $3,315. The purchase will be funded from the City Hall maintenance budget and the street building maintenance budget. Juel moved to approve the work, Bunting seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

A building permit for an addition at 410 Main Street submitted by Cody Grunsted was presented and stated to comply with required setbacks. Juel moved to approve the permit; C. White seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Clerk Pothast reported a water‑main break on 1st Street near the fire station after midnight on the preceding Saturday. Public Works responded, residents were notified, and City Hall opened from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. for residents needing water. Repair crews could not begin until about 3:00 p.m., and repairs were completed by 6:15 p.m. Gibbs suggested the city develop a contingency plan and identify a backup contractor in case future problems delay repairs; Juel offered to check on available options.

Pothast also reported that the Friends of the Library and the library board secured a $2,500 grant for a deck project. She said she had obtained an ICAP grant of $986.90 to purchase an eye‑wash station for the rural water building and a required safety cabinet for the garage to address IMWCA and ICAP safety recommendations.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn by Gibbs, seconded by Stahl; the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.