Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, September 16 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Wilhelmson, Trent Turner, Eric Ostern, Mike Hagen and Morgan Buckland. City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton was also present.
Both the Agenda and Consent Agenda received unanimous approval, after the addition of city hall security to New Business. The Consent Agenda consisted of approval of the August 19 regular council meeting minutes, August 28 special council meeting minutes, claims and accounts, authorizating transfer of funds, and temporary liquor license for Giants of the Earth.
Old Business
Council members briefly discussed the Star Energy electric rate increase and approved to follow the suggested steps.
After discussion on the Houston County Sheriff’s Contract budget, councilor Turner moved, seconded by Ostern, to keep the contract as is. Motion carried in a 3-2 vote. Turner stated that with everything going on in the world right now, it is important to keep law enforcement presence in Spring Grove.
A childcare study had been done for Spring Grove, Mayor Wilhelmson shared the meeting, in regard to the study, had been informative with a lot of numbers. There had been no further update.
“Moving onto the CEDA contract,” said Wilhelmson. In a unanimous 5-0 vote, council members approved to terminate the CEDA contract at the beginning of October 2025. Current projects will be turned over to City Clerk/Administrator Elton.
New Business
Elton informed the council the city’s phones are not working well and suggested a replacement phone system with two options to consider. If the city switched to the new phone system, the city would save $200 each month. “If it was up to me, I’d go with the cheaper one,” said Elton in regard to the phone options. Turner moved, seconded by Wilhelmson, to go with the T33 package. Motion carried.
Spring Grove School’s request to close the one-way street to traffic on Friday, October 3 for homecoming was granted. However, the date will be flexible as weather allows.
Elton informed everyone about the Solar and Public Building Grant Program in that the program will cover 70% of solar costs. She sought and received approval from the council as the city would need to pick up the remaining 30%; the amount would come from the water sewer fund in the amount of $33,000. This only applies if the city recieves the grant.
Elton shared she applied for the 2025 Arlin Falck Grant which would provide the fire department with new gloves and safety vests. She also applied for the Compeer Financial Community Collaboration Grant, which will fund emergency response equipment.
Elton requested permission from the council for a lock door policy where city hall will be locked when only one staff is working. Her request was due to safety concerns at city hall. She informed that only one person is present in the office at times, and the length of time one of the staff is alone varies. She stated she wants to take action to keep employees safe. Elton said if city hall is locked, residents can call the office for assistance. “I’m not waiting for someone to get hurt,” ended Elton. Council members approved of the request where she can use discretion to lock doors for safety purposes.
Budget
Turner moved, seconded by Wilhelmson, to approve the proposed 2026 tax levy at $700,000-$900,000. Motion carried. An audience member questioned why the levy raised, and was informed the budget needs to be increased for much needed street project repairs.
The Truth in Taxation meeting is set for Tuesday, December 16 at 6 p.m.
Mayor Wilhelmson stated for the EDA (Economic Development Authority) meeting, the budget was set.
Buckland shared that the library discussed more on the downtown build.
The council meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
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