Osage City council approves up to $1,250 for golf course signage; parking, sidewalk and lighting held for later review

City department heads presented options and cost estimates for several proposed improvements at the Osage City Golf Course, and the council approved new signage while tabling three larger capital actions.

Donnie Bailey (Parks & Facilities Superintendent), Fred Hallowell (Street & Sanitation Superintendent) and Utilities Director Dale Schwieger outlined the estimates: a parking area along the north side of the drive across from the shelter house would cost about $3,888.00; a sidewalk from the road to the shelter house about $1,000.00; and lighting options ranged from $5,534.33 (partial lighting using four lights) to $9,020.33 (full lighting using 18 streetlights). Schwieger noted that the spool-of-wire cost makes the per-light expense similar whether one or four lights are installed.

City Manager Katie Hodge warned council to be cautious about spending "with the absence of Orbis Corporation" and said a warm winter has produced lower-than-expected electric revenue this year, factors she recommended the council consider when deciding on capital work. Hodge suggested some items could be proposed as Capital Improvement Projects for 2027.

After discussion, Council Member Joe Ryan moved, with Cathryn Houghton seconding, to approve adding golf-course signage not to exceed $1,250.00; the motion carried 7-1 with Council Member Susan Smith dissenting. Motions to delay the parking-area addition, the sidewalk, and the lighting were each moved and carried unanimously and will return to a future agenda for further consideration.

Keith Thompson, a local resident, told the council he would prioritize improving Market & 6th Street lighting before extending lighting toward the golf course entrance.