Early City Council approves fund transfer, wage increase for clerk; schedules April 21 budget hearing

The Early City Council on April 7 approved a transfer of funds, a wage increase for City Clerk Julia Drost and several routine agenda items, and set a special meeting for April 21 to hold a public hearing on the FY27 final budget.

The council approved Resolution 26‑07, authorizing a transfer of funds, on a motion by Councilmember Brian Pickhinke, seconded by Brandon Scadden. In a roll‑call vote Pickhinke, Scadden, Christine Madden, Cory Tiefenthaler and Xavier Delao all voted aye and the motion carried.

The council also approved Resolution 26‑08, raising the wage of City Clerk Julia Drost. The motion was made by Councilmember Christine Madden and seconded by Cory Tiefenthaler; the measure passed on a unanimous roll call.

In other formal actions the council appointed Tim Langner to the Planning & Zoning Committee after Langner agreed to serve; the motion to appoint him was made by Pickhinke and seconded by Scadden and carried. The council approved two building permits, accepted the utility and financial reports, and approved city staff preparations for a memorial tree and bench in Achiever Park requested by a Class of 1975 group, with the city to pour a pad for the bench.

Public safety and service reports included a sheriff’s office update that it is close to meeting fundraising goals for a new K‑9 and that city contracts are forthcoming. Deputy Tyler Prescott introduced himself and identified himself in the meeting as a candidate for Sac County sheriff in the November election.

Library representative Sue Loggins told the council the library recently hosted a 4‑H Easter egg hunt and distributed books to children; she requested installation of a handicap parking space and said the library is working to maintain the librarian position as full time. Public Works Director Kris reviewed plans for a citywide cleanup (noting items the city will not collect), said reverse‑osmosis units need monthly preservation, and reported that a DNR well study should take one to two weeks with a test well targeted for early to mid‑summer. Kris also reported a preliminary sewer‑lining price noted in the transcript as "$25-450 00"; council members said the figure appears expensive and requires clarification from staff and contractors.

The council approved a request from the Early Focus group to order fireworks for Crossroads Days 2027. The clerk also reported an inquiry about stray cats and noted there is an ordinance prohibiting feeding stray (feral) cats; the sheriff’s office will follow up with citizens suspected of feeding strays.

The council set a special meeting and public hearing for 6 p.m. April 21 to adopt the FY27 final budget and consider amendments to the FY26 budget. The meeting adjourned following approval of the day’s business.

Votes at a glance: • Consent agenda (agenda, bills, March 3 minutes): approved (motion: Pickhinke; second: Tiefenthaler; all aye). • Resolution 26‑07, transfer of funds: approved (motion: Pickhinke; second: Scadden; roll call all aye). • Resolution 26‑08, wage increase for City Clerk Julia Drost: approved (motion: Madden; second: Tiefenthaler; roll call all aye). • Appointment: Tim Langner to Planning & Zoning: approved (motion: Pickhinke; second: Scadden). • Building permits (Jesse Carlson, Shawn Schmitt): approved (motion: Pickhinke; second: Madden). • Early Focus fireworks order for 2027: approved (motion: Pickhinke; second: Scadden).

Next steps: Staff will circulate clarified cost estimates for sewer lining, the city will prepare the pad for the memorial bench in Achiever Park, and the council will reconvene at 6 p.m. April 21 for the FY27 budget public hearing.