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Council reviews city budgets, approves storm‑sewer assessment policy update
Summary
City staff reviewed the City Hall and accounting budgets, noting insurance and a new GIS subscription as drivers of increases; council adopted Resolution 26.24 to change storm‑sewer assessments to match water/sewer (30% assessed to affected property owners).
Administrator presented two proposed budgets and explained most increases in the City Hall budget were driven by insurance costs and a new GIS subscription that includes utilities and sidewalk mapping. The administrator said the first 0.5 of local government aid was received on July 20 and that the second 0.5 will arrive in December.
"Local government aid, the 1st 0.5, was received on July 20," the administrator said. Councilors questioned line items and asked staff to clarify which utilities funds would pay related costs; staff explained water and sewer charges are handled by their respective funds while the street portion is covered in the City Hall operating budget.
Council also considered Resolution 26.24 to update the city’s assessment policy so storm‑sewer projects are assessed the same as water and sanitary (30% of cost to affected property owners). Administrator explained the yellowed text in the draft reflected recommended changes; council moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote.
The council discussed removing an annual spring cleanup from the budget (historical average about $4,500; one quote exceeded $6,000) and noted personnel cost drivers including a 3.5% wage adjustment and a roughly 10% increase in health insurance.
