The Fountain City Council set the 2026 budget and levy at the December 3 meeting. The final amount was set at $269,000, representing a 5% increase over 2025. This breaks down to $155,000 for the General Levy, $65,000 for the Sewer Tax Levy, $35,000 for the Capital Improvement Tax Levy, and $15,000 for the Equipment Fund Tax Levy.
The council also heard from Fountain Fire Department Chief Jason Wright. The department is
seeking another grass fire rig, this time a four-door 550 truck with a flat bed instead of a box on the back. The department is weighing whether diesel or gasoline would be best. The benefit of the former, according to Wright, is that it can sit for some time without going bad, although emissions are a concern. With gasoline, the department could have another fitting plumbed into the existing tank so a new tank isn’t needed. All other department equipment is diesel.
The cost of the truck is approximately $60,000-70,000. The fire equipment is estimated at an additional $100,000-110,000. Wright indicated a used truck was seen for $120,000, but urged the council to consider a new truck.
“It’s a little bit more money, but you’re going to get a better end result,” he said.
It will take six months minimum for the truck to be built, which should get it in the department’s hands prior to the next fire season. It would be purchased through a Decorah Ford dealership and would require no down payment for the truck. There may be a down payment required for the back, which would be built at Alum-Line, Inc. of Cresco, Iowa. The fire equipment would be added at Fire Safety USA in Rochester, Minn. The department would like to keep the current truck if they can all be fit into the garage.
The council unanimously approved the information from Chief Wright for the purchase of the new truck.
Rick Whitney was also in attendance at the meeting. He’s been contracted to work alongside Public Works Director John Hanson to bring the wastewater treatment plant back to full function.
Following up on last month’s detailed report, Whitney noted that two blowers were pulled offline.
In the first, the electrical system was shot and needed additional parts, but can be repaired and was sent to Pine Island for motor servicing. The second also had damage, but was able to be repaired by Whitney. However, a fan could not be set correctly and they are attempting to modify it with a lathe. Otherwise, a new fan can be ordered for $185 from FPZ USA out of Saukville, Wis.
Repair of the blowers, plus the others currently online, will allow for the city to have fully functioning units, plus backups. Enough regular maintenance parts have been ordered to keep them in good condition, plus having additional parts at the ready if needed. Whitney also noted the new water heater has been installed and UV sleeves and lenses changed out, plus spares ordered.
“I’m not just trying to get you where you need to be, but we’re also trying to give John the stuff he needs going forward,” said Whitney.
Whitney also compiled a vendor list for Public Works and city hall. It includes a personal contact and specific items. Monthly tasks are also being catalogued and will be put into a maintenance binder.
“John can tailor this to however he wants it to be, but at least he has kind of a rough outline of stuff that needs to be done and when and what time of the year to do them,” he added. “He has a good feel for a lot of it already, but this is just to try and help him out a little bit.”
Several on the council expressed positive thoughts about the condition of the plant.
“It’s looking good out there. It is. Between the stuff John and Jordan [maintenance worker Jordan Amunrud] have done … it’s really looking nice,” said Councilor Jordan Kearns.
“It’s getting close to 100%,” added Mayor Ron Reisner. “It’s coming together. It’s looking good.”
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