Preston Adopts 2026 Preliminary Levy

At the September 11 meeting of the city council, a resolution was adopted setting the 2026 preliminary levy at $1,345,263. This represents a 5.53% increase, or an increase of $70,474. The Truth-in-Taxation public hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2025.

The final levy will be adopted in December, which could be decreased but not increased.

Mayor Kurt Reicks noted the city has several projects coming up making it necessary to build reserves for these projects.

Vacancy Declared on the City Council

Council member Flossie Schultz submitted a letter of resignation from the city council, effective September 29. She will no longer be a resident of Preston as of this date. Her resignation was accepted. Due to the fact there are less than two years left on her term, an election to fill her seat is not required. Her term expires on December 31, 2026.

City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton said the open position will be posted. The city council can appoint her replacement to fill out the remainder of the term.

Other Business in Brief

• A lot split requested by Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Schreier at 201 Main Street SE was approved. The existing home will be on one parcel, and the detached garage will be on the split off parcel. Throckmorton said the split complies with all zoning regulations.
• EMS Director Debra Ristau explained that they did not find two qualified part-time EMT candidates; the other option was to hire one full-time EMT. The council approved the hire of Ryan Quanrud as a full-time EMT, effective September 15.

The hire of Dylan Schultz as a casual (primarily weekend coverage) EMT was approved as recommended by Ristau.

• Crown Hill Cemetery driveway improvement options were discussed. Estimates for paving the entrance only would cost $45,000 and to pave all surfaces would cost $115,000. Griffin Construction provided an estimate to remove the asphalt and replace it with asphalt millings at a cost of $9,712. The estimate from Griffin Construction to remove the current asphalt and to replace it with asphalt millings was approved. The work may be completed yet this fall.
• Councilman Dean Aug will replace Schultz as the city council representative for the PHS Museum/Depot Project. This involves reviewing and signing contractor payment authorizations.
• Approval was granted for the closure of Franklin Street NW and Spring Street NW for the annual neighborhood block party on September 28 from noon to 9 p.m.