The August 4 Rushford Village Council meeting agenda included discussion of the 2027 proposed budget. Instead of delving into discussion amid a regular meeting, Mayor Dennis Overland questioned City Attorney Joe O’Koren on what format other municipalities use.
O’Koren noted that the bulk of what he sees are budget workshops dedicated solely to the topic of the proposed budget and some hold multiple budget workshops. City Treasurer Judy Graham and City Clerk Mary Miner would bring the proposed budget for review at this time. These are still open meetings, but allow for just one topic in a dedicated time frame.
“What does council think of that?” asked Overland.
Several voiced their approval of that format. A budget workshop was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m.
A South Rushford Park Committee has been formed with the intention of reviewing needs and possible updated to the park in the residential area. Overland briefly noted that the group is “just getting things going.” A post was made on social media to solicit ideas from the community. The survey form can be found at: https://forms.gle/WzqwygMLxLuyLY4b9
The group is also talking to different communities and looking at parks put in during recent years, according to Dessner.
During updates from Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit, the council learned the building management for Farmers Win Cooperative is moving along with permitted work at the south Rushford site. Pettit believed the company is currently working on a water retention area.
“He’s assured us that all specifications are met and things that are normally inspected will be taken care of. They are working with our engineer,” said Pettit. “Things are moving along quickly now.”
In other agenda topics, the council discussed whether or not to utilize a pre-payment contract for 2026-2027. The rate is $1.64 per gallon for a leased tank. In 2024, the village contracted just 750 gallons. Last year, they opted to increase it to 1,250 as heating was added to the other half of the maintenance building. In total, the village ended up 310 gallons short on the pre-pay contract, but Miner noted subsequent fills following the pre-pay amount were less per gallon.
“You just don’t know,” she said.
Public Works Supervisor Darrin Dessner did add that the tank ran out at one point last winter and now there is a reader on it. The current volume of the 500-gallon tank was unknown at the meeting, but it was estimated to be not less than 30%. Councilor Travis Link suggested the council opt for 1,000 and see where it ends up.
“What do you think? It’s a little bit of a gamble,” said Link.
“Are we really worried about a few hundred gallons for a few cents?” asked Councilor Robert Hart.
In the end, the council unanimously approved doing a fill now at the summer rate and contracting at the pre-pay price for another 1,000.
In regards to Public Works, Dessner provided details of planned work on the pump house flow meter. McCarthy Well will be doing the work, but there isn’t a scheduled date and time yet.
“We don’t have a current timeframe. It will be a spur of the moment thing,” he noted.
Dessner will be on planned leave this week, but Public Works part-time worker Adam Johnson can likely be there if needed. The council verbally acknowledged he could work above his normal 25 hours per week, up to 32, if needed. Additionally, the village can lean on contracted Public Works’ help from former Peterson Public Works Director Rick Lee.
Road grading is still underway as the village perennially fights washouts and shoulder work on gravel roads. Dessner noted grading is happening now that there is sufficient time and moisture in the roads. Residents should be aware that the department has also started on the second round of ditch mowing for the season.
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