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Galesville council adopts audit findings, approves multiple infrastructure contracts and hires officer
Summary
At its July 10 meeting the Galesville council reviewed an audit showing a $484,487 fund‑balance increase, approved adding 5th Street to a West Side reconstruction, awarded storm‑drain and security contracts, adopted the county multi‑hazards plan, appointed a library board member and hired a police officer.
Galesville — The Common Council on July 10 reviewed the city’s 2024 audit, approved a series of infrastructure contracts and administrative actions, and hired a police officer following a closed session.
Audit and finances: Auditor Kim Hollermann of Johnson Block & Company reported a $484,487 increase in Governmental Fund balance for 2024, noting the city now holds roughly a year of expenditures in reserve versus the commonly recommended two months and retains about 80% of its general obligation debt capacity (outstanding general obligation debt was reported at $1,430,000 against a statutory limitation of $7,129,830).
Infrastructure and contracts: The council agreed to add replacement of 5th Street (between Ridge and Clark avenues) to the West Side Water, Sewer and Street Project after Davy Engineering advised the existing pavement and drainage could not be fixed by milling; the estimated cost for the addition was $153,300 and the council approved using the project contingency to cover it. The council also awarded a separate storm‑drain replacement at S 11th and Short Avenue to Nelson Diesel & Dozing LLC (not to exceed $100,000), and approved a three‑year renewal of the Well #5 firewall security contract with MCS Networks using water‑budget funds.
Other administrative actions: Council approved a $23,500 proposal from the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission to revise the Comprehensive Plan; contracted with Transcendent Technologies LLC for Ascent tax and pet licensing software (about $900/year with an expected increase of roughly $510 in 2026); approved a library Community Room policy and appointed Emily Wagner to the Library Board; and approved a capital reimbursement of $5,374.50 to Marinuka Manor for an ice and water dispenser.
Licenses and emergency planning: The council approved licenses to serve fermented malt beverages and intoxicating liquors for three applicants and adopted Resolution 2025‑0006, which adopts the Trempealeau County Multi‑Hazards Mitigation Plan 2024–2028.
Personnel: After a closed session under Section 19.85(1)(c) Wis. Stats., the council reconvened and voted to hire Andrew Dahl as a police officer at $29.00 per hour for the first 90 days, increasing to $29.50 thereafter, with a one‑year probationary period.
Financial approvals: Council approved accounts payable and manual checks across funds totaling $116,226.73.
Votes at a glance: approve minutes (June 12, 2025) — carried (Yeas 4, Nays 0; Seely abstained); approve June Treasurer’s Report — carried (5–0); add 5th Street to West Side project using contingency — carried (5–0); authorize Davy Engineering and add $200,000 to GO bond for Campus Court stormwater design — carried (5–0); approve J&S Sales recreational easement for Veterans Memorial Park — carried (5–0); approve MRRPC Comprehensive Plan proposal ($23,500) — carried (5–0); award S 11th/Short storm drain to Nelson Diesel & Dozing LLC (not to exceed $100,000) — carried (5–0); renew Well #5 firewall contract with MCS Networks for 3 years — carried (5–0); approve Transcendent Technologies contract — carried (5–0); approve Library Community Room policy — carried (5–0); appoint Emily Wagner to Library Board — carried (5–0); approve Marinuka Manor capital request ($5,374.50) — carried (5–0); approve three liquor licenses — carried (5–0); adopt Trempealeau County Multi‑Hazards Mitigation Plan resolution — carried (5–0); approve accounts payable totaling $116,226.73 — carried (5–0); hire Andrew Dahl as police officer — carried (5–0).
What’s next: staff and engineers will return with final plans, change orders and cost details for construction items; the council indicated it will discuss developer cost‑recovery options for Campus Court in a future meeting.
