Photo by Zech Sindt
The Ostrander City Council met September 1 with Mayor DJ Start presiding. Council members Jimmie Dean, Lyn Massey-Mills and Dan Hellerud were present, along with City Clerk Wendy Brincks and Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Runkle. Council member Brodi Nesler was absent.
The council approved a proposed property tax levy of $192,291 for taxes payable in 2027, holding the levy at the same level as the previous year.
The proposed levy includes $138,591 for general revenue, $23,700 for fire protection and $30,000 for capital outlay related to the city’s street project. Brincks explained that the council may lower the levy before it is finalized later this year, but it cannot increase it beyond the amount approved in September.
The city is currently projecting approximately $306,691 in revenue and $265,440 in expenses for 2027. The difference would allow the city to begin rebuilding some of the reserves being used to cover this year’s projects.
Expenses for 2026 are now projected at approximately $600,060, considerably higher than originally anticipated. Brincks said the street project has cost more than twice its original budgeted amount, while street sealing expenses were nearly double what the city had expected.
The city has paid $49,475 toward street sealing, with a final payment expected after the contractor returns to complete final core samples. Approximately $68,520 has been paid toward the larger street project so far, with the total projected to fall between $177,000 and $195,000. Costs associated with SEH are expected to total approximately $35,000, with asbestos-related expenses still to be paid.
Although the city could finish the year as much as $300,000 over its operating budget, Brincks noted that approximately $420,000 had previously been set aside to pay for the projects.
The council also discussed an $8,017.11 certificate of deposit. The CD could have been renewed for seven months at 2.87% interest or for 13 months at 2.85%. The council instead voted to cash it out. Any money remaining after the city pays its 2026 expenses may later be transferred into the city’s 4M Fund, where it could earn a higher interest rate.
In other business, the city will seek bids for its propane supply for the 2026-27 heating season. The selected provider will supply up to 3,500 gallons of propane at its proposed price. The provider must also maintain one 1,000-gallon tank, two 500-gallon tanks and the gas line serving the fire hall at no charge to the city.
The council also authorized advertising for bids for residential garbage and recycling service. The city’s current contract with LRS ends April 27, 2027.
The bid request asks companies to provide weekly garbage collection using 32-, 64- or 96-gallon carts, along with every-other-week recycling collection using 64-gallon carts. The provider must supply six 96-gallon garbage carts and one 96-gallon recycling cart for city use at no charge.
The contract will also require free garbage and recycling service for city-sponsored events and free walk-up service for residents with physical limitations. Contractors will be asked to provide a flat-rate price for the citywide cleanup, in addition to disposal costs.
Council members requested that bidders also identify any discounts available to senior citizens or customers who pay for a full year of service in advance.
The council also discussed a troublesome section of sidewalk in the boulevard near a residence. Officials said the uneven concrete creates difficulties for people using strollers, scooters or other mobility devices and could become a liability for the city.
City officials will contact a local cement contractor to determine whether the concrete can be cut or ground down to reduce the hazard. If that is not practical, the city will obtain an estimate for replacing the affected section. The council may later consider addressing several other problem areas as part of a larger concrete project.
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