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Council reviews third reading of budget; councilman urges 10-year water plan and notes rate authority
Summary
At third reading Councilman Bitter reported minimal changes to the budget, confirmed the council can raise water rates by resolution, and urged a 10-year water infrastructure schedule to set reserves; members discussed hiring a summer SMO and a $19,000 dump truck purchase.
Councilman Bitter told the work session during the third reading of the budget that changes since the last meeting were minimal and emphasized the need to plan for long-term water infrastructure funding. He said the Town’s Water Master Plan should be the foundation for a 10-year infrastructure schedule to guide reserves and rate-setting and offered to assist the Water Board in that effort; he has been in communication with Water Board Chairman Steve Crandall.
Councilman Merrill asked whether the budget included funds for a summer Seasonal Maintenance Operator (SMO); Councilman Ellis said hiring a summer SMO would reduce overtime and that the hire could pay for itself by lowering overtime costs. Merrill also questioned a recent purchase of a 2011 dump truck for $19,000; Mayor Rok said that acquisition had been included in the 2024–25 budget and was authorized.
Votes at a glance: the Council approved the work-session agenda (motion by Councilman Toolson, second by Councilman Ellis, all ayes) and later voted to recess until 7 p.m. (motion by Councilman Bitter, second by Councilman Ellis, all ayes).
Next steps: Council and staff plan to work with the Water Board on a 10-year infrastructure schedule tied to the Water Master Plan; any decision to change water rates would occur in a regular meeting or by formal resolution.
