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Earlham City Council adopts FY2026–27 budget, approves water‑main project and routine resolutions
Summary
At a special April 13 meeting, the Earlham City Council unanimously approved the fiscal 2026–27 budget, adopted an amendment to the city’s Urban Renewal Plan and approved plans and a contractor award for the SE Cherry Street water‑main replacement. Several routine resolutions and permits also passed.
The Earlham City Council unanimously adopted the city’s fiscal 2026–27 budget and approved a string of infrastructure and administrative measures at a special meeting April 13 at City Hall.
Mayor Lillie opened a public hearing on the FY2027 budget; Clerk Visser said no written or oral comments were received. Later in the meeting the council approved Resolution No. 26‑13 adopting the FY2026–27 budget (motion by Council member Mudge; second by Council member Nelsen). The council recorded roll calls on routine items as unanimous.
The council also approved Resolution No. 26‑14, adopting Amendment No. 1 to the 2019 Urban Renewal Plan (motion: Miller; second: Mudge), and moved forward on a planned water‑main replacement. After a public hearing with no comments, the council approved Resolution No. 26‑15 adopting plans, specifications and an estimate of cost for the 2026 SE Cherry Street water‑main replacement (motion: Visser; second: Nelsen) and approved Resolution No. 26‑16 awarding the project to A‑One Geothermal Inc. (motion: Fredericksen; second: Mudge).
Other measures approved on unanimous votes included Resolution No. 26‑17 setting wages for 2026 seasonal part‑time employees, approval of the V&K agreement contract, setting a May 11 public hearing on a budget amendment and on zoning changes to the commercial district, and authorization for city email accounts for the mayor and council members. The council approved a consent agenda that included minutes, the treasurer’s report, an FY25 cemetery report, a $3,260 transfer to the perpetual cemetery CD, and an Iowa retail tobacco/nicotine permit for Hometown Market.
Why it matters: The budget adoption sets the city’s spending priorities for the coming fiscal year; the water‑main project and contract award commit the city to a capital improvement expected to affect utility service on SE Cherry Street. The urban renewal amendment may open or clarify financing tools for local redevelopment projects.
Votes at a glance: • Resolution No. 26‑13 (FY2026–27 budget): Motion by Mudge; second by Nelsen; recorded as Ayes — unanimous. Council members present at roll call were Fredericksen, Miller, Mudge, Nelsen and Visser. • Resolution No. 26‑14 (Urban Renewal Amendment No. 1): Motion by Miller; second by Mudge; recorded as Ayes — unanimous. • Resolution No. 26‑15 (Adopt plans/specs/estimate for 2026 water‑main): Motion by Visser; second by Nelsen; recorded as Ayes — unanimous. • Resolution No. 26‑16 (Award 2026 Water Main Project to A‑One Geothermal Inc.): Motion by Fredericksen; second by Mudge; recorded as Ayes — unanimous. • Resolution No. 26‑17 (2026 seasonal part‑time wages): Motion by Fredericksen; second by Visser; recorded as Ayes — unanimous. • Resolution No. 26‑18 (Set hearing for changes to permitted business‑district uses): Motion by Mudge; second by Visser; recorded as Ayes — unanimous.
What’s next: The council scheduled a public hearing for Budget Amendment No. 2 and for zoning changes on May 11, 2026, both at 7 p.m., and directed staff to bring back required information for code updates and other follow‑up items.
