Baxter council approves $78,352.67 in claims, holds budget workshop and tables water-rate resolution

The Baxter City Council on Jan. 26 approved claims totaling $78,352.67 and continued its FY2027 budget review in a scheduled workshop. The motion to approve the claims was made by Councilmember Milligan, seconded by Bethards, and carried unanimously.

The claims listing included a $52,233.10 charge to Rob Sand, Auditor of State, described as a special investigation. Other listed vendors and amounts were provided and the meeting record showed the fund-level breakdown: General Fund $37,765.33; Road Use Tax $713.61; Water Fund $5,223.31; Sewer Fund $15,545.13; Garbage Fund $16,493.63; Storm Water Fund $2,611.66.

During the meeting council reviewed Resolution 2026-05, related to water rate increases, and noted that rate increases cannot be adopted by resolution and must be processed as an ordinance amendment. Staff was directed to consult the city's codifier on implementation options, and the council voted to table consideration of Resolution 2026-05 until the February meeting.

Council also conducted Budget Workshop #3 for the FY2027 budget; the session was discussion-only with no formal action and the next workshop was scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

A public comment from Councilmember Stephen Smith (speaking as a resident) recommended recording conversations conducted by city staff, the mayor and council until the city has cameras with audio; no formal action on that suggestion was recorded.

Next steps: staff will consult the codifier about the ordinance route for any water-rate changes and return the item at the February meeting; budget workshops will continue ahead of formal budget adoption.