City administrator Dennis Wilde reminded the board that this is only a preliminary budget and levy. The final levy certification does not need to be made to Stearns County until December. At that time the city could lower its figures but it cannot increase the levy numbers.
The city budget for 2001 is set at $1,339,477 and the levy at $481,425.
Only 36.09 percent of the budget is covered by local tax dollars. The remaining funds are covered by state and federal aid.
Major increases in the spending are $32,500 for a new shelter and bathrooms at Veteran's Memorial Park and $28,000 for new equipment for the fire department.
The city has been trying to keep taxes down for residents.The city budget increases have been below inflation, as expenditures rise each year, according to Wilde.
The council approved setting three special meetings to review the proposed budget with the public. These meetings will be held at city hall on Thursday, Oct. 19, Tuesday, Oct. 24, and Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m.
WilGlo Acres Addition
The council set Wednesday, Oct. 11, to open the bids for the sale of general obligation bonds totaling $625,000 to finance the WilGlo Acres Addition. The entire amount will be assessed to the landowner.
Work started on the addition earlier this month. Wayne Stark, city engineer, informed the council the grading work for the street is almost completed.
The engineers revised the drawings, moving the river crossing for the water and sewer lines to Liberty Street and the frontage road closer to Fleet Supply on Highway 55. The frontage road has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Access to the frontage road will be combined with the Fleet Supply highway access. At present, the Fleet driveway is 25 feet wide. It will be widened to 45 feet.
The frontage road will be about 200 feet long.
Rescue van
After several months of researching various specifications for a new rescue van, the Paynesville Fire Department is ready to advertise for bids.
Jim Freilinger, fire chief, informed the council that a new rescue van can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $180,000. At present, the fire department has $150,000 in its equipment fund. By the time the van arrives there should be $170,000 in the fund.
Freilinger informed the council that it takes a good year to receive the van.
The present rescue van is a 1978 model. The fire department purchased it used in 1980.
Other business
•The council will hold its 2001 budget and levy public hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m., in the council chamber.
•The council approved setting a public hearing date for the Minnie Street extension assessment. The entire bill of $7,413 was assessed to Cyrill and Terry Fredrick. The hearing will be held Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. The family could waive the hearing.
•The council approved purchasing a computer, software, and laserjet printer for the motor vehicle department. It is the city's understanding that Paynesville is the only location still using the outdated software. The city will be switching companies and purchasing their new software from Strategic Technologies. Cost of the new equipment is $3,268.
•Ron Mergen, public works director, said the tests on well number seven, east of the Morningside Addition, were good. The well has the capability of pumping 500 gallons per minute.
The city is still negotiating to purchase the land for well number eight, located south of Highway 55.
The council approved payment of $18,626 to Thein Well Co. for work on the wells. The work has been approved by the MPCA and the city will be reimbursed.