Wednesday, July 23, 2025
One-line summary
Council approved the agenda and early claims, then held a detailed first discussion of the proposed 2026 budget with consultant Lori Yager, including levy and fund balance targets, transfers, and departmental budget drivers.
4 items as recorded in the agenda, packet, and minutes, each with a plain-English summary of what was at issue.
1Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, Approve Agenda
Agenda approved as presented after roll call and pledge.
2Claims for Payments Due prior to August 12, 2025, Council Meeting
The council approved paying claims that were due before the next regular council meeting date (August 12, 2025). The minutes record a motion to approve these early claims, carried on a 5-aye vote.
Claims due prior to the next council meeting were approved.
32026 First Budget Discussion with Financial Consultant Yager
Discussion of proposed 2026 budget, including levy and fund balance use, departmental budget reviews, transfers, and scheduling follow-up sessions.
Financial Consultant Yager presented the proposed 2026 budget prepared with staff using the CIP, equipment replacement plan, and spending through June 2025, and the council discussed the levy approach, use of fund balance, and department-by-department changes. Key items noted included continuing a $50,000 charitable gambling transfer to offset public safety/sheriff costs, a proposed general fund levy increase of $22,505, and debate over the target fund balance level (with a general consensus to aim around 50%, with the mayor stating comfort down to 40%). The council also reviewed transfers out to other funds, discussed the recycling fund’s staffing cost increase and noted the recycling center’s reported 2024 profit, reviewed debt service levy figures, and adjusted the schedule for future budget sessions (canceling August 6 and meeting August 20 and September 3).
During budget discussion, Council Member Breyen raised concerns about the building improvement fund’s projected balance and planned spending for a building study and a council chamber remodel, suggesting the funds might be better used elsewhere. Mayor Hybben agreed and stated he did not see a need for remodeling the council chambers.
Budget was reviewed and discussed; minutes do not record a motion adopting any budget or levy at this work session.
4Adjourn
Adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
3 motions on the record. Split votes are highlighted.
M1MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE TO APPROVE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE TO APPROVE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville
5 AYES, MOTION CARRIED.
M2MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, TO APPROVE CLAIMS DUE BEFORE AUGUST 12, COUNCIL MEETING.
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE, TO APPROVE CLAIMS DUE BEFORE AUGUST 12, COUNCIL MEETING.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville
5 AYES, MOTION CARRIED.
M3MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE.
MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COUNCIL MEMBER BREYEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RAINVILLE.
moved by Breyen, seconded by Rainville
Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.
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