At their regular city council meeting December 8, the Houston City Council appointed Josh Hongerholt to replace Randy Thesing as the Public Works City Maintenance Superintendent. Thesing served in the position for nearly 24 years and will be retiring January 2, 2026.
Hongerholt will receive 5% over the next wage band within the department. After a six month probationary period his wage will increase to a total of 10% over the wage band within the department.
The council expressed their appreciation to Thesing for his commitment to the city over the past years. Police Chief Hurley thanked Thesing as well during his department report, “Randy has helped me out tremendously throughout the years!”
Truth in Taxation Meeting
When the Truth in Taxation meeting was opened at 6:15, there were no citizens present. City Administrator Michelle Quinn explained that the meeting was intended to allow time for the public to ask questions about their taxes.
Quinn reported that one person had come into the office during the week prior to the meeting to ask general questions. The individual had multiple parcels of land both in and out of the city; some of the parcels were commercial, some recreational and some homestead. Quinn had explained how different entities such as the city, county, school district and mill rate districts can levy taxes and pointed out that the appreciation of property values affects the taxes and tax rates.
Another citizen had called the office last week to ask why his tax rates went up. Quinn explained that the city rate was 3%; the lowest rate on the person’s tax bill.
When the proposed budget was adopted, Quinn had thought the city might be able to reduce the rate later. The need to repair both the roof at city hall and Kilborn Street, however, led Quinn to recommend leaving the levy as proposed initially.
Quinn pointed out that the city was in a position where it can pay cash and make the repairs without taking out a loan by spending some of the money that has been put away over the years.
After closing the Truth in Taxation meeting, the council approved the 2026 budget with expected total revenue of $840,784 and total expenses of $841,300. The final total tax levy of $617,400 was approved.
Other Business
In regular business, the council approved a resolution placing delinquent utility bills on the taxes to be levied against the properties. Mailings had gone out to citizens delinquent in their utility bills and some of those bills had been taken care of. This action was the next step in the procedure dealing with delinquent bills.
A proposed ordinance dealing with regulating the use and operation of special vehicles such as golf carts and ATVs in the city had been posted in the city for a month. No comments or questions had been received. The council officially adopted the proposed ordinance. There is an age limit of 16 and the operators must have a valid driver’s license in order to legally operate the vehicles. Underaged drivers can be fined.
Department Reports
PWD Randy Thesing reported that Brody Thesing was “coming along fine” in his new position at public works. The department has been keeping busy plowing snow in the city. Randy noted that he probably will not be attending any more council meetings, but would be available for Josh to ask any questions.
Police Chief Hurley reported the department was working on end of the year reports. They recently spent time shopping for gifts in La Crosse for the upcoming Holidays with Hidden Heroes event.
City Administrator Michelle Quinn reported that Bolton & Menk were working on the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) application for Westgate Drive reconstruction. The application is due December 12.
Marilyn Frauenkron Bayer is working on the Design Team application. Mayor Scott Wallace will need to sign a letter in support of the application.
Quinn informed the council that the carport for the fire department had been delivered and would be installed soon.
It was pointed out that if residents did not shovel their sidewalks, city staff would take care of them and the residents would be billed for the work.
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