Several resolutions to organize the business of the city whirred by quickly. With little or no hesitation members approved its depository financial institutions and its investment policy. It put into place a resolution allowing the clerk and mayor to pay certain claims prior to council approval. O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier was appointed official newspaper for the City of Sutherland and a budget amendment was approved. The amendment moves $95,000 around inside the city’s line items. It also ups spending authority in public safety to allow Sutherland Fire & Ambulance to purchase a new ambulance from the City of Sergeant Bluff. (The purchase of the ambulance was also approved January 3 by resolution.) the library conducted a fundraiser to do an outside improvement project, painting an original flagpole sitting high above the entrance. The fundraiser was so successful, the purchase of new blinds for the windows in its main floor south room to protect the books from sun damage.
In August of 2021 council approved the purchase and installation of new water meters throughout the city to improve efficiency in water billing procedures. Since the contract with Ferguson was made, costs have increased dramatically. The city approve moving funds from the water fund and the franchise fee to cover the unexpected costs. The change to the spending authority to install the water meters is an increase of $94,000.
The State of Iowa mandated that each city hold a public hearing to explain its maximum property tax levy. Clerks and councils jovially refer to it as the “Max-Tax” hearing. While this part of the budget process only covers certain levies, not all of the potential levies that can be applied to property, it does give some insight into the funding needs of cities. Sutherland set theirs for Monday, February 6, 2022 at 7:00pm.
In a final resolution, council resolved to enter into the contract with Ferguson Enterprises, LLC to install the meters.
This meeting was short and sweet, getting the business of the city done. Fast.