by Mari Radtke
Eric Johnson of Iowa lakes Regional Water (ILRW) provided the Archer Council on Tuesday June 10 with a financial report of the water and sewer service in Archer. With big relief he reported no rate increases in the coming year to Archer customers. At their February Board of Directors meeting in February it was stated, “…the current rate structure adequately meets the financial needs of the city’s wastewater system for the new fiscal year.” He attributed high operational and Repair and Maintenance costs during the 2025 fiscal year to flood damage and damage control.
He asked that Council put the word out to every resident to notify ILRW of any damaged or missing sewer lids. Ill-fitting lids pose a risk to children and pets. There is also a 24-7 emergency number, 1-877-262-8847.
Kiana Johnson of O’ Brien County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) was also on hand to give an annual report. She presents to each of O’Brien County’s Councils and the County Supervisors each year.
OCEDC’s most useful tool is its revolving loan fund, which she shared historical information about its lending benefits to communities and O’Brien County. To date, OCEDC records show RLF funds have created 319 jobs and retained 233. Total lending has reached $5,748,946. Amounts for individual communities is available. Other benefits of the organization include assistance with marketing available property, effort to retain and attract workforce, promoting county and community demographics for potential employers and the work of specific committees including the Agriculture committee and the Tourism committee. Mayor Nathan Mueller currently serves as the Archer representative to OCEDC.
Council held a long discussion to compensate lawn mowing. The discussion did not reach a conclusion, but concern over the net pay and the use of his own equipment became points of concern.
Archer memorabilia once kept in the library/city hall is a topic of discussion. It is currently stored at DJ Plastics. There was an inquiry into the possibility to display the items. Library records, which most must be kept in perpetuity, are currently stored in Steven Meyer’s garage, which he has no objection.
Roof quotes for the shelter house and depot roofs were considered. The project was awarded to Adam Martin Construction in the absence of other bids.
A bid to overlay Main Street is $42,000 by Blacktop Services. It was accepted.
Council went into closed session to discuss legal matters with Counsel. An agreement was approved by Council. Details were not made available to this newspaper by press time.