Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
At the September 5 meeting, the Rushford Village Council once again reviewed expected expenditures for 2024. Also discussed were additional projects and needs. The council needs to set the preliminary budget and levy by the end of this month.
City Clerk Mary Miner noted many communities automatically set the preliminary levy at 10% higher than the previous year, even though all typically drop it much lower when the final levy is approved. Cities can reduce the preliminary figure but not raise it, so those set at 10% allow the maximum financial cushion.
“We’d all be out of a house if we actually set it at that,” said Miner.
The village will receive new municipal state aid for public safety expenditures such as fire, ambulance, and policing needs, in addition to first aid and other safety items. There is no cutoff date by which the village needs to use the funds. The amount expected is $34,700.
Planned funding includes $25,000 for a new public works truck, $70,000 for road maintenance, and $20,000 for the Village Road bridge project. The village also factored in rising contracted rates for services.
While aware of the needs, the council has yet to set aside funds in the 2024 budget for County Line Drive and Gilbertson Road. County Line Road has persistently eroded the last few years and the council is working to determine a more permanent solution. The estimated cost is $5,000. The village could do the work this year under the 2023 budget.
The trouble on Gilbertson Road stems less from knowing what is needed but how to do it, as a trout stream lies in the area. The village is waiting to hear back from the Department of Natural Resouces regarding cost sharing and how to proceed. Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo indicated he’d have more information about both roads by the next meeting.
The village must also budget for Personal Time Off (PTO), recently approved along with the employee guide. Human Resources consultant Paul Ness suggests the village plan for $1,000 for each full-time employee and $500 for part-time. He also urged the village to buy Certificates of Deposit and leave the item in every annual budget to build up the fund.
Salary increases for village employees have yet to be determined. Typically, the budget includes a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and may include step advancements for job performance. The council must determine the COLA percentage and whether or not to include other advancements for Miner, Treasurer Judy Graham, Chiglo, and Public Works employee Jeff Michel.
The village is also considering how to plan for Earned Sick and Safe Time. The new Minnesota law requires employers to provide paid leave to employees who work in the state. According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, “an employee earns one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked and can earn a maximum of 48 hours each year unless the employer agrees to a higher amount.” The village may be able to incorporate it into existing plans for PTO. It will affect not only full-time employees but also part-time and elected officials.
“They’re not sure how. There’s a lot left to be figured out,” noted Miner. “I’m thinking it won’t be above what you’ve given us for PTO.”
The existing budget estimates $905,891 in receipts and $856,223 in disbursements. While it appears the village may end the year under budget, Graham quickly reminded the council that additional funds do not arrive until next June, so the council should be cautious.
“If everything goes perfect, in a perfect world, we should have $40,000,” said Mayor Dennis Overland.
“I think we should look at doing 10%, or $50,000,” said Councilor Bob Hart. “We can look at it in December and drop it down. We need to be prepared.”
“We have to have the money left at the end of the year. That’s the kicker,” added Miner.
The council will vote on the preliminary budget and levy at the next meeting.
The council ended the meeting with a closed session to discuss Employee Performance Evaluations as allowed by statute. Miner, Graham, Chiglo, and Michel were all evaluated. Michel requested his portion of the evaluation remain open to the public. Hart and Councilor Rick Ruberg met with all employees on August 31.
City Attorney Joe O’Koren noted the concern about setting a precedent with closed or open meeting evaluations. “As a good practice, the public may want to know how the employees are doing,” he said.
The village may formulate a process for evaluations in the future. One option suggested included a follow-up interview with employees.
“I thought it went well,” added Hart. “As a theme, not citing any individual, I thought the review process needed better respect, communication and trust. It probably has to do with us as a council and not discussing these items in the past. It will be better going forward.”
“Things have to be looked at and dealt with,” added Ruberg.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, September 19, at 7 p.m., at the village hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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