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Budget workshop focuses on raises, pool repairs, hydrants and scanner purchase
Summary
During an extended budget workshop the council debated a proposed 4% across-the-board raise (estimated ~$42,300), agreed to prioritize a $12,000 pool trip-hazard repair, budgeted funding to replace four hydrants over time, and opted for a low-cost scanner solution instead of a $6,000 leased scanner.
The Missouri Valley City Council spent a substantial portion of its Feb. 24 meeting on a budget workshop that covered capital repairs, equipment procurement and proposed staff raises.
Pool repairs and parks: Staff presented bids to fix a tripping hazard in front of the bathhouse for about $12,000 and a broader lift-and-caulk program for roughly $44,000. Councilors agreed to prioritize the immediate $12,000 repair to address safety and liability concerns and to consider a multi-year plan to address the larger overlay.
Scanner procurement: The city’s accounts-payable clerk requested a scanner to upload invoices to a new GWorks cloud system. Vendors proposed leasing an expensive unit (~$94.73/month over 63 months) versus buying a low-cost desktop scanner (about $50). Council members favored buying an inexpensive desktop scanner to meet immediate needs rather than adding a costly lease.
Hydrants and water: Public works staff identified several out-of-service hydrants and recommended replacements. Council members discussed per-unit installed costs (estimates in the $7,000–$8,000 range) and agreed to budget for replacing four hydrants in the next cycle while addressing repairable units sooner.
Employee raises: Council discussed a proposed 4% salary increase for city employees (estimated to add about $42,300 to the budget). Some councilors argued a 4% raise is modest and needed to retain staff; others said the city should be cautious about taxpayer optics and suggested smaller or phased increases. The council agreed to finalize the raise decision at the next meeting.
Library funding: Members discussed a possible reduction to library support; some opposed large cuts given the library’s programs and remaining reserves. The council deferred final decisions until budget figures are finalized.
Next steps: The council will finalize a few open budget items at the next meeting (March 3) and will schedule required public hearings on property tax levy and budget amendment items as necessary.
