At the September 21 Preston City Council meeting, members unanimously approved a preliminary budget/levy of $1,034,386 for 2021; this represents an increase of $51,347, or 5% over 2020.
City Administrator Joe Hoffman explained the majority of the increase is due to funding that is being set aside for bond payments, of which the first one will be due in early 2022 for the 2021 Street and Utility Improvement Project. The city has been building its street improvement fund for this upcoming project. Hoffman said we are very well positioned to do this big project now.
The 5% increase allows for a cushion, in case the state makes any significant cuts to Local Government Aid. The preliminary number can be lowered but can not be increased. Mayor Kurt Reicks noted that when the final budget and levy is certified they may be able to go down some.
EMS Grant
The council accepted a grant from the Preston Area Community Foundation in the amount of $14,000. The funds will be used to purchase a Lucas 3 mechanic CPR device at a cost of $13,955.49 from Stryker. Preston Ambulance currently has one and this will equip the second ambulance with this device. Hoffman said it is very generous of the Preston Area Community Foundation to fund the purchase of an important piece of equipment for the health and safety of our community.
The hire of Piersan Suriano as an EMT was approved as recommended by Ambulance Director Ryan Throckmorton.
Police equipment
Police Chief Blaise Sass explained in 2009 a Wireless Phone Policy was approved that reimbursed employees either $37.50 or $50 per month to use their personal phones for work. To better separate personal from work communication, Sass recommended that the three full-time officers be issued phones and service through Verizon’s public sector division. It will cost about $30 per phone and $40 per month per line. The current stipend would be rescinded. Council woman Holly Zuck asked if four phones should be purchased, so one would be available for a part-time officer while on duty.
A motion was made to change the city’s Wireless Phone Policy as recommended by staff. Four phones will be purchased, three for the full-time officers and one for part-time officer use. The stipends will be rescinded.
Chief Sass also recommended the purchase of two new Watchguard DVR in-squad camera systems at a cost of $9,190. It will cost $500 each to install the camera systems. The purchases are to be made from the police equipment fund. The department currently has a couple of used cameras in the squad cars, which are outdated and one is not functioning. The purchase was approved as presented.
A resolution was adopted for Toward Zero Deaths participation for traffic safety enforcement projects through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The agreement with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department allows the Preston Police Department to participate in the program. TZD program provides federal funds to law enforcement to enhance traffic enforcement. The program was adopted by the state of Minnesota in 2003. The program has been shown to help reduce the number of fatalities and major injuries due to traffic accidents.
Other business in brief
• The city’s golf cart that is used for watering the flower baskets is about four decades old and at the end of its life. A used 2015 Yamaha gas cart with trade-in allowance of $500 and a new box for the cart can be purchased for a net cost of $4,770 from Harmony Golf Carts. After some discussion, a motion was made to purchase the used cart as recommended by city staff. Councilmen Robert Maust and David Collett voted no.
Deputy Clerk Sheila Marzolf explained that $1,300 could be spent out of the flower basket reserve fund and the balance would come out of the general fund.
• The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 6 at 6 p.m.
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