Following their discussions last month, the council amended two ordinances to increase the water and sewer rates in May, with the minimum utility bill going from $91.72 to $93.65. This is the last designated increase to maintain infrastructure and build the reserve fund for the water system and wastewater facilities. The gradual and yearly increases were based on a chart provided by Matt Hansen of engineering firm Willett Hofmann & Associates a few years ago.
Water rates will increase by $1.01 and sewer rates by 92 cents, totaling a $1.93 monthly increase, effective May 1, 2026. The new rate for water usage over 3,000 gallons increases to $4.15 per 1,000 gallons, and sewer usage over 3,000 gallons is $3.77 per 1,000 gallons.
Reports of Village Officials
After the council approved the sale of the surplus Chevy Tahoe last month, Police Chief Terry Strike reported that the squad is ready to be sold. Everything’s been taken out and he swapped out a few things, such as the headlights. “We took what we needed,” he said.
Mayor Bruce Peltier provided an update on the building at 107 W. Market Street since 60 days have passed since the legal notice was sent to “remedy issues at the owner’s expense.” Their attorney stated that the next step is to find a contractor or building inspector to inspect and document what can be fixed or rehabbed, or if the building needs to be demolished. They first need to post a 72-hour notice on the door stating that entry may occur on or after that date. Peltier will have another conference call with the attorney next month, adding, “that’s all there is to do until finishing that step.”
Resident Zachary Dunaway asked about the possibility of purchasing the village-owned lots with the trailers on the alleyway behind the Reagan Community Center. There are two parcels, each with six lots and three trailers. He would buy both but would take the closest one to his property if the council is willing to sell so he can clean the area up and fence it in.
“It’s something we can discuss,” said Peltier. “We’ve talked here and there about doing something with the trailers, whether to clean up or get rid of them. I’m not against hearing ideas,” he said, asking Dunaway to provide more details at an upcoming meeting. Public Works Superintendent Tyler Chriest said the buildings have been used for storage but whatever is in there can be relocated.
The storage trailers by the Reagan Community Center.
Unfinished Business
The council authorized the sale of village-owned personal property – the Chevy Tahoe police squad, complete with service and maintenance records. Peltier said there’s already been a few inquiries and didn’t recommend a minimum bid amount. The council agreed to accept sealed bids until noon on Monday, April 6th, and open them at the council meeting on the 7th. Village Clerk Jamie McIntire said the council can either accept or reject the bids and ask for sealed bids again if they’re not satisfied with the price.
New Business
McIntire asked the council to set a date and time for a budget meeting to review numbers and ideas for the year before scheduling a special meeting to approve the Budget & Appropriations Ordinance. The budget meeting was set for Tuesday, March 10th at 4 p.m. and the special meeting for Tuesday, March 24th at 4 p.m.
Building permits were approved for 106 S. Washington St. for solar panel installation and siding and gutters on the garage, and one fence permit for 104 E. 3rd St.
McIntire gave a reminder that there’s no meeting on Tuesday, March 17th due to the primary election. New and returning golf cart registration is due by March 31st. Utility bills can now be emailed to residents, who can call the office if they wish to sign up (please leave a message if there is no answer). Fire hydrant flushing will take place around the village the week of April 6-10th.
The council went into a 20-minute executive session, taking no action upon their return. The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, April 7th at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall.
