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South Range council approves 2026–27 budget; sewer fee to rise $7
Summary
The Village of South Range council approved the 2026–2027 budget at its March 5 meeting and authorized a $7 sewer increase to support construction of an additional lagoon pond; public commenters raised concerns about employee treatment and ordinance enforcement.
The Village of South Range Council approved the 2026–2027 budget during its regular meeting on March 5, 2026, following a roll-call vote after public comment. Trustee Korby moved to adopt the budget; Trustee Harkonen seconded, and the motion carried with aye votes from President George Eakin and Trustees Hill, Marier, Parolini and Balma.
The budget includes a final sewer rate increase of $7, Clerk Sydni Schwandt said, to help fund an additional lagoon pond for wastewater management. Schwandt also said budget materials were complete and that community hall upgrades and potential rental-charge changes will be placed on the next meeting agenda.
The approval came after public comment on the budget and related village matters. M. Franchi reported that a recent Backcountry Village snowmobile event drew an “excellent and safe” turnout and brought business to neighboring communities. Resident D. Harynen criticized recent council decisions and the council’s treatment of village employees. R. Petrelius supported Harynen’s concerns, urged stricter enforcement of several ordinances he said are being ignored, and asked about obtaining a small parcel in the alley behind 33 Seventh Street; the council requested a written proposal for the next meeting.
J. Ratcliffe from KEDA provided an update on a previously discussed brownfield project and offered handbooks and other tools for the council to consult on future community development work.
The council postponed approval of the February 5, 2026 minutes until the April meeting. The budget vote was the meeting’s principal formal action; additional administrative and operational items were handled separately.
