By Mari Radtke
The Paullina City Council on May 17 approved the proposed budget amendment with no comments from the public and accepted the stump removal bid from Rock Campbell of Spencer. Campbell submitted a low bid of $44 per stump for 21 stumps throughout Paullina. It totaled $924. Two other bids were submitted, both more than $1000. The budget amendment increased the excess revenue the city would have on hand at the end of the fiscal year by $22,003. Spending increases are from public safety ($16,217), culture and recreation ($2207), General Government ($18,278), Capital Projects, ($2276), totaling an increase of $38,978 for “Total Government Activities Expenditures. An additional $150,000 was added to Transfers Out to other funded departments increasing the total expenditures and transfers out by $188,978. The city’s total spending for the current fiscal year will go from $3,112,651 to $3,301,629.
Sandy Fritz, City Clerk also reported to the council that the last debt service payment for the sewer project will be paid in June, 2021. The $370,000 annual debt payment will be paid in full. Also in the financial report property tax revenue from the new Feed and Supply construction will begin coming to the city in the next fiscal year.
Matt Dengler was selected as the part time “children’s” librarian. He started Wednesday May 19. Dorothy Harper, Library Director also presented a concept to the council for consideration. She spoke about an idea she had learned about on a librarian forum. Weather protected boards would be mounted to permanently affixed posts. She asked if that could be done along the trail to Mill Creek. A book page or two would be placed inside the protected board along the trail until all of the book pages were placed. The activity is designed to add interest for kids to read. The book could be changed every couple of weeks. The council gave its full support. Harper also reported that she had spoken with Brian Schimmer of O’Brien County Conservation to mount the displays, which she said he had agreed. Subsequently, the Conservation staff has resigned with no notice. Finding volunteers to secure the posts and display boxes/cases will need to be found.
The question of chickens within the city limits came up as a request. A search of city ordinances has revealed that an existing ordinance prohibits raising or keeping foul inside the city limits.