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Buffalo City council approves farmland lease, stays with LP vendor and authorizes forestry grant application
Summary
The Buffalo City Common Council awarded a three‑year farmland lease to Ben Schams, approved Consolidated LP for heating fuel, and passed Resolution 2025‑01 to apply for a Wisconsin DNR forestry grant; council noted ARPA funds have been exhausted and directed that employee compensation be included in the 2026 budget.
Buffalo City’s Common Council on Sept. 8 approved a three‑year lease for city farmland and took a package of procurement and grant steps ahead of the 2026 budget.
The council accepted a $180‑per‑acre bid from Ben Schams to lease the Foelsch farmland for 2026–2028, approving the three‑year contract after the clerk opened bids that also included a $167‑per‑acre offer from Bollinger. The motion to award the lease was made by Kim Beseler and seconded by George Fuller; the vote was recorded as unanimous in the meeting minutes.
Councilors also reviewed LP heating fuel bids and by motion decided to remain with the city’s previous supplier, Consolidated LP. By separate motion (mover George Fuller, seconder Kim Beseler) the council approved Resolution 2025‑01 authorizing Buffalo City to apply for a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources forestry grant.
Finance items noted during the meeting included a reminder for departments to submit budget requests to the clerk by the first week of October, and that remaining federal ARPA funds have been fully allocated — the minutes state the final ARPA dollars were used for park bathroom repairs. The clerk also reported that certificates of deposit will be renewed at an interest rate of 4.05 percent.
Council entered a closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c) to discuss employee evaluations and compensation and returned to open session; the council recorded that employee compensation will be included in the 2026 budget.
Votes at a glance • Foelsch farmland lease (three‑year award to Ben Schams at $180/acre): approved (motion Beseler, second Fuller; recorded as "All yes"). • LP vendor (Consolidated LP): approved (motion Fuller, second Beseler; recorded as "All yes"). • Resolution 2025‑01 (authorize WI DNR forestry grant application): approved (motion Fuller, second Beseler; recorded as "All yes").
What’s next: The council will review mowing bids at the October meeting prior to finalizing the 2026 budget. The agenda also notes the alderperson matter was tabled until October.
