Durand council approves 2026 budgets for ambulance and utilities; general fund approval contingent on rural fire sign-off

The Durand City Council Committee of the Whole approved the city's 2026 operational and capital budgets for the Ambulance Department, Storm Utility, Sewer Utility and Water Utility during its Oct. 29 meeting at City Hall. Mayor Patrick J Milliren called the meeting to order at 4:33 p.m.

Council approved the Ambulance Department budget on a motion by Council Member Matt Roesler, seconded by LeAnna Kavanaugh; the clerk recorded a roll call vote of six ayes and zero nays. The Storm Utility budget passed on a motion by Nick Weisenbeck, seconded by Travis Hooker, with a 6-0 roll call. The Sewer Utility budget passed on a motion by Travis Hooker, seconded by LeAnna Kavanaugh, with a 6-0 roll call. The Water Utility budget passed on a motion by Robert Weishapple, seconded by LeAnna Kavanaugh, with a 6-0 roll call.

On the General Fund, the council approved budget option #2 with a Fire District component that is contingent on the Rural Fire Department approving the plan; if the Rural Fire Department does not approve, the Fire District will adopt option #1. Mark Menke moved the General Fund action, seconded by Robert Weishapple; the clerk recorded a roll call vote of six ayes and zero nays.

Earlier in the meeting, Council Member Travis Hooker moved and Mark Menke seconded adoption of the meeting agenda; the motion carried. LeAnna Kavanaugh moved to adjourn at 7:24 p.m., seconded by Mark Menke.

The approvals set Durand's spending framework for 2026 for emergency medical services and core utilities; the General Fund outcome depends on the Rural Fire Department's subsequent decision. The minutes list Administrator Tracy Carlson, City Clerk Angela M Morgan, Public Works Director Matt Gilles, Police Chief Stan Ridgeway, Fire Chief Jamey King, and Ambulance Co-Director Angie Bignell as staff present.