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Hallock council authorizes $1.1M in payments, approves 3% COLA, adopts 75/25 PFML split and sends airport pavement project to bid
Summary
At its Dec. 1 meeting, the Hallock City Council approved payment of city bills totaling more than $1.1 million, granted a 3% cost-of-living increase for 2026, voted to split Paid Family Medical Leave 75/25 (city/employee), authorized airport pavement maintenance to go out for bids and accepted agricultural land lease bids around the airport.
The Hallock City Council on Dec. 1 approved payment of city bills, a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026, and a city-paid portion of new Paid Family Medical Leave rules while authorizing bids for a planned airport pavement maintenance project.
The council authorized payment of city bills as listed, including Total Check Amounts of $1,121,413.23 (AF) and $23,552.18 (UVB), eChecks and a payroll transfer of $46,742.10. Councilor Mike Totleben moved the bill authorization, which carried unanimously.
The council approved a 3% COLA for all city employees and council members for 2026. "3%" was moved by Councilor Kevin Waller and seconded by Councilor Naomi Larson; Councilor Jen Peterson abstained because of a conflict of interest. The abstention left the motion approved with four affirmative votes.
On Paid Family Medical Leave, Administrator Kendra Kroening told the council the PFML rate is 0.88% and may be split between employer and employee (the employee portion cannot exceed 0.44%). Councilor Waller moved that the city pay 75% of the PFML contribution and employees pay 25%; Councilor Mike Totleben seconded and the motion carried.
The council also approved proceeding with vendor quotes to replace the city’s aging computers and server after IT maintenance revealed outdated systems. Councilor Jen Peterson moved to proceed with the Wikstrom/Wiktel quotes for new computers, a server and a docking station; Councilor Naomi Larson seconded and the motion carried.
Airport Manager Jeremy Seng reported that AWAS groundwork is in place and provided a construction schedule. Kroening read an email from Bollig engineer Paul Jurek proposing that the council approve plans and specifications to go out for bids. Councilor Naomi Larson moved to move forward with bids on the Airport Pavement Maintenance project; Councilor Peterson seconded and the motion carried. The packet referenced an advertising date of Dec. 10, 2025, and bid opening proposed for Jan. 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., subject to confirmation.
The council also accepted agricultural lease bids for airport parcels: Parcel A (Prosser/Kuznia) at $105/acre (one-year), Parcel B (Paul & Brent Johnson) at $106/acre, Parcel C (Jeff & Joel Deere) at $90/acre, and Parcels D & E (Nicolas Johnson) at $110/acre. Councilor Peterson moved to accept the proposed bids; Councilor Totleben seconded and the motion carried. Airport Manager Seng noted crop setbacks from the runway.
During the Truth & Taxation portion of the meeting, resident Roger Schwenzfeier said he saw a 33% increase in his taxes; Mayor Dave Treumer said the city’s increase was 11% and advised Mr. Schwenzfeier to consult the county assessor’s office to review valuation changes.
Councilors discussed a proposed gas-rate change to cover gas-related expenses and compared local meter-charge practices; no decision was made and Councilor Waller asked to defer the matter to the next meeting. The council adopted Resolution 2025-35 designating Hallock City Hall as a polling place and approved two building permits for fences (G. Morgan and T. Klegstad). The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - Authorization of city bills (Total Check Amounts $1,121,413.23 AF; $23,552.18 UVB): mover Mike Totleben; second Naomi Larson; outcome: approved unanimously (5–0). - 2026 COLA (3%): mover Kevin Waller; second Naomi Larson; outcome: approved (4 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain – Jen Peterson). - Increase dental coverage to 90% (and move health coverage to 90% rate point discussion): mover Kevin Waller; second Naomi Larson; outcome: approved (1 abstention by Peterson). - PFML split (city 75% / employee 25%): mover Kevin Waller; second Mike Totleben; outcome: approved. - Proceed with IT equipment quotes (Wikstrom/Wiktel): mover Jen Peterson; second Naomi Larson; outcome: approved. - Airport Pavement Maintenance: approve plans/specs to go to bid: mover Naomi Larson; second Jen Peterson; outcome: approved. - Accept agricultural land lease bids (Parcels A–E): mover Jen Peterson; second Mike Totleben; outcome: approved. - Resolution 2025-35 (designate polling place): mover Mike Totleben; second Kevin Waller; outcome: approved. - Building/Zoning permits 2025-26 (G. Morgan) and 2025-27 (T. Klegstad): motions moved and seconded; outcomes: approved.
The council scheduled a special meeting for Dec. 16, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. to address items deferred from this session. The next regular meeting was set for Jan. 5, 2026.
