Byron council raises tap fee to $6,000, shifts $675,000 into utility reserves and approves fence variance

The Byron Town Council on Nov. 12 approved a series of motions to boost utility reserves and adjust a customer fee, the council recorded in minutes from a meeting at the Byron Town Complex.

Councilman Brandon Hessenthaler moved — and Councilman Richard Horton seconded — to raise the new water and sewer tap connection fee to $6,000; the motion carried. Hessenthaler then successfully moved three separate transfers from the town’s general checking account into reserve certificates of deposit: $300,000 for south-side sewer infrastructure, $300,000 for water system upgrades (including replacement of meter pits, curb stops and meter upgrades) and $75,000 for replacement of shop equipment and tools. Those transfers total $675,000. Each motion was seconded by Councilman Richard Horton and recorded as carried; the minutes do not specify individual vote tallies.

The council also approved a variance to allow an electric fence at 134 W. Platte Ave for William Hart after a motion by Hessenthaler and a second by Horton. In other business, the council tabled discussion of citation money, noted that a tap grant was approved for 2025, and approved ordering two light poles for Main Street to check fit on pedestals before proceeding with further purchases.

During public comment, resident Linda Neville asked that a new ice machine be included in next year’s budget and proposed relocating it; no formal action or vote on that budget request was recorded.

Mayor Allan Clark called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.; the meeting adjourned at 7:35 P.M. The minutes include a signatures block dated July 13, 2021 that appears to be an administrative artifact and does not match the Nov. 12, 2024 meeting date.