Emily Council adopts budget revision, approves public‑safety gear, sewer pump and traffic signs

The Emily City Council on Aug. 12 approved a series of routine budget and equipment actions intended to support public safety and infrastructure maintenance.

Mayor Tracy Jones called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the council unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda, which incorporated the July 2025 Treasurer's Report showing a beginning checking balance of $1,531,927.59 and an ending balance of $1,838,768.45; receipts to the General fund of $348,350.91 and to the Sewer fund of $83,139.79; claims totaling $184,664.83; and total checking/investments of $2,262,492.28. Councilmember Gregory Koch made the motion to approve the agenda; Koch and Councilmember Gerhart Hanson each sponsored motions throughout the meeting.

Public‑safety purchases approved included replacement turnout gear and radios. Fire & Rescue Chief Blair Mileski told the council the department had 17 calls in July (16 EMS, 1 EMS/fire) and reported recent pump testing and joint training with Fifty Lakes. The council approved a $3,562 purchase of Innotex bunker gear for a new member from the 225 Firemen's Equipment Fund and approved Brandon Communications' quote to buy one VP8000 Kenwood Viking radio ($3,904.38) and two VP5430 radios ($2,460.83 each), a package totaling $8,826.04; two radios will be charged to Fund 225 and one to Fund 226 (1st Response Equipment Fund).

In sewer operations, Wastewater Operator Bundy reported the city used a spare E/One grinder pump and recommended replacing it to avoid costly emergency purchases. The council approved a W.W. Goetsch quote to buy one E/One retrofit pump package for $4,349 plus tax and freight and directed staff to add a grinder‑pump replacement plan to the 2026 budget.

On traffic safety, City Engineer Alex Voit (S.E.H.) described available road funds and possible 2026 partnering with Crow Wing County. The council approved purchasing two TrafficLogix Solar Evolution 11 electronic speed signs for County Road 1 at $2,550.60 each (total $5,424.20) using Sourcewell pricing; the purchase is contingent on Crow Wing County Highway Department approval for placement and operation.

The council adopted Resolution 25‑31 to revise the 2025 adopted budget to cover special‑election and audiovisual costs in the Clerk's office and other adjustments. The council also accepted several small donations: $500 to the First Response Unit Equipment Fund (Resolution 25‑25), $80 to the Pine Ridge Cemetery Fund (Resolution 25‑26), and $789.55 raised at library book sales for the Emily Public Library (Resolution 25‑27). The council approved buying a used Fire King vertical fireproof filing cabinet for the Zoning Office for $1,999 and a $69.27 plaque for the downtown veteran's bench.

All motions that recorded roll‑call votes in the minutes passed unanimously (Jones, Brennan, Hanson, Hemphill, Koch). The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

What happens next: Several of the approved purchases will be processed by staff and charged to the funds noted in the minutes; the proposed 2026 budget will include a replacement plan for E/One grinder pumps and funding for dock or park items will be evaluated in the 2026 budget process.