Ranlo commissioners approve amended FY23 budget including $300 monthly stipend, valve repair and recreation funding

The Ranlo Board of Commissioners voted June 23 to adopt an amended fiscal year 2023 budget that includes a $300 monthly stipend for the mayor and commissioners, a $26,876 capital project to repair a damaged water main valve and a $5,000 increase to the town’s recreation budget.

Staff presented the budget ordinances and two capital grant items, including a Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Infrastructure award and a State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) grant; staff said the ordinances and grant projects were before the board for formal adoption. During discussion, commissioners questioned whether continuing fully paid health insurance for elected officials was equitable and whether a stipend plus buy-in would reduce the town’s costs.

“As a practical matter, our negotiated premium is $480.15 per month,” the staff presenter said, describing the rate available for elected officials and employees. One commissioner argued the town currently spends roughly $21,000 a year on commissioner premiums and supported a $300 monthly stipend and buy-in by officials who choose to remain on the town plan.

Public works staff told the board the town needs to replace a failing gate valve on a main water line; the work requires an insert valve and specialized boring work and would cost $26,876 under a Kemp Construction quote. Staff recommended adding the repair as a capital project in the utility (enterprise) fund, or — if appropriate — using federal ARPA revenue replacement in a later amendment.

After debate, the board first approved the $300 stipend measure (motion carried; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally). The board then agreed by motion to adopt the FY23 budget as amended to include the salary adjustment, the Kemp capital project for the utility fund and the $5,000 recreation increase. The board’s final motion to adopt the amended budget carried.

Why it matters: the amendments change how elected officials are compensated and add an urgent capital repair to the utility fund. Staff also told the board the state treasurer’s office has raised concerns about prior-year utility deficits; officials said elevated FY22 rates and corrective bookkeeping should show improved results in the next audit review.

Next steps: staff will execute the Kemp Construction procurement and incorporate the capital charge into the utility fund accounting; finance staff also said they will prepare any paperwork required for collection from officials who opt to buy back onto the town insurance plan. The transcript does not record a date for implementation beyond the usual budget cycle.