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Grundy Center council sets June 1 hearings on budget and utility rates; approves police vehicle and lifeguard pay
Summary
At its May 18 meeting the Grundy Center City Council set public hearings for June 1 on a fiscal-year budget amendment and a proposed 2% water and sewer rate increase effective July 1, approved a police vehicle purchase and adopted a lifeguard wage resolution (3 ayes, 2 abstains).
The Grundy Center City Council on Monday moved to publish two public hearings for June 1: one on a fiscal-year 2026 budget amendment and another on proposed 2% increases to municipal water and sewer rates effective July 1.
City Clerk Kristy Sawyer told the council the budget amendment increases revenue to reflect grants and donations and raises expenditures for a fire department helmet replacement project and snow-removal wages; it also removes expenses tied to an expired Catalyst Grant. The council voted to publish notice for the June 1 public hearing. The motion to publish was made by Council Member Mcdonald and seconded by Council Member Lamp and carried five ayes.
On utilities, Mayor Paul Eberline opened discussion of Ordinance 594 (water rates) and Ordinance 595 (sewer rates). Staff member Bangasser described the 2% increase as the standard annual adjustment written in the city code. Council carried action to proceed and signaled a public hearing could be scheduled June 1.
Council approved the purchase and authorization to sign a quote for a replacement police vehicle. Police Chief Natvig said the 2021 Ford Explorer slated for replacement has 113,000 miles and 18,000 hours; the council reviewed two quotes (Karl Emergency Vehicles: $64,128; McGrath Ford: $64,097) and, citing turnaround time to outfit the squad, accepted the McGrath Auto bid for $64,097.
The council also adopted Ordinance 592 on third reading to change the Ambulance Chief and Police Chief positions to three-year appointments; advanced Ordinance 593 on second reading (Chapter 51, junk and hobby vehicles); and approved Resolution 2016-24 to set wages for additional lifeguards and concessions staff for the 2026 season. The lifeguard wage resolution passed with three ayes (Stensland, Smith and Kuester) and two abstentions (Lamp and Mcdonald).
Other actions included authorizing publication of the budget amendment notice, approving RAGBRAI logo #2 with design modifications, and routine approvals of minutes, the April treasurer's report, and annual liquor licenses for Casey's locations at 504 G Avenue and 1708 G Avenue.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 592 (three-year terms for Ambulance Chief and Police Chief): adopted (motion: Stensland; second: Smith; 5–0). - Ordinance 593 (Chapter 51: junk/hobby vehicles): advanced on second reading (motion: Mcdonald; second: Lamp; 5–0). - Resolution 2016-24 (lifeguard/concessions wages): adopted (motion: Stensland; second: Smith; result: 3 yes, 0 no, 2 abstain). - Resolution 2026-25 (police vehicle procurement): amended to accept McGrath Auto $64,097 and authorized for signature (amendment motion: Kuester; second: Lamp; 5–0). - Budget amendment: published for June 1 public hearing (motion: Mcdonald; second: Lamp; 5–0).
The public forum included several community updates: Kling Memorial Library announced it met a $80,000 goal for a children’s area remodel, Heart of Iowa reported cleanup work related to fiber installation, and residents thanked the streets department and asked about a May 2 power outage. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.; the next council meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
