After deliberation and a brief Truth In Taxation hearing that brought no citizen comments, the City of Rushford Village approved the 2018 levy in the amount of $425,000. The amount has remained the same the last three years. There was consideration for raising it and the council was cautious as it plans for future needs.
Mayor Gordon Johnson praised the work of City Clerk Mary Miner and City Treasurer Judy Graham for keeping operating expenses in line, despite a number of projects. “We’ve had some increases that hit us pretty hard. We’ve managed to make it work,” added Johnson. A number of other projects are in the works for 2018 including a contract with Community & Economic Development Associates (CEDA) to improve and achieve the city’s planning goals.
The council reviewed a number of items, considering whether or not the city needed the additional $25,000 that was on the preliminary levy, set in September. “I’d just hate to have to go up next year; something drastic,” cautioned Councilor Chad Rasmussen.
“I like having something for projects that come up down the road; the idea of having a cushion for surprises that come up during the year,” added Councilor Mike Ebner.
It was suggested that any additional funds could have been put in reserves; however, Miner and Graham indicated that the budget included upcoming projects and collectively, roughly a million was in all city funds, including utility funds. They believe the city can operate within the $425,000. “It’s what Mary and I have been saying all along,” said Graham.
Councilor Dennis Overland pointed out that the city’s aim is not to make money, but to operate at a break-even point. “We try to be as close as we can for our constituents,” he noted.
“I remember back when we had to borrow money to pay our bills. We don’t want to go back to that.” The $425,000 levy was approved unanimously.
In other news, the council heard from resident Arden Fitzgerald who pressed the council for some relief to speeding traffic on Goodrich Street and Main Street in south Rushford. The concern was brought to the council at their November meeting.
Mayor Johnson indicated he’d done some checking and stated the sheriff’s department can’t issue any citations without visibly witnessing the speeding. City Attorney Tom Manion agreed, noting that residents can contact the department. Councilor Chad Rasmussen suggested the city look into putting something up to remind drivers of the speed. The city was unsure of the cost of a sign indicating current speeds. It’s possible that signs with a suggested 20 mph speed could be posted in the future.
There was little to report from the Public Works Department. Supervisor Travis Scheck did indicate that the water project for Tyson is continuing and that a tunnel was bored and a curb stop placed.
A curb stop for a new residence in south Rushford was also installed and the roughly $7,000 cost to hook up water to the site was a topic of discussion. “You really have to keep in mind, every time we talk of excess of cost, we’re really not asking too much,” noted Graham.
“The numbers are not out of line,” added Johnson. “Those costs are real.”
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, December 19, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. Additionally, the annual organizational meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, also at 7 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend both.
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