COUNCIL OKS TAX LEVY, PLANS FOR BUDGET TALK

    The Britton City Council met Monday night with a full agenda that included the annual tax levy, city projects, and future budget planning.
    Council members approved the city’s tax levy request of $605,796, the maximum allowed under state guidelines. The figure represents a 2.9 percent increase based on the consumer price index, along with 0.67 percent growth. Councilman Jerome Marlow requested a roll call vote and cast the lone “nay,” while the rest of the council voted in favor.
    Mayor Clyde Fredrickson reported that plans for a possible airport hangar project will not be moving forward. Although Horton pilots had expressed interest in the past, company officials have since said they cannot commit to such a project at this time. Fredrickson recommended halting the effort, saying there is not enough traffic to justify the expense, and council members agreed.
    The council revisited a request from late last year by Symphony, a company that had offered to purchase the city’s cell tower leases. The proposal involved a 99-year agreement and a lump sum payment of around $500,000. Council discussion this week centered on the option of negotiating higher lease rates directly with cell providers as contracts come up, including one due in 2028.
    Other business included approving an $82.52 account credit for Ehren Grupe, who was overbilled because of a faulty water meter that has since been replaced. The city’s seven-year old computer server was also discussed after it recently failed, forcing staff to rely on a temporary replacement. A new server has been quoted at $4,468, but the finance officer will check into warranty options before a decision is made at a future meeting.
    City Hall hours will also change beginning October 1. Staff requested shortening the lunch break to 30 minutes and closing at 4:30 p.m., citing minimal foot traffic late in the day.
    Public Works Supervisor Cameron Gerken asked for clarification on the city’s responsibility for removing storm-damaged branches in boulevards and rights-of-way. After negative interactions between workers and residents during a recent storm cleanup, the council directed the city attorney to amend the ordinance to clarify that the city is not responsible for the clean-up of those areas.  The council also approved spending $4,000 to remove a large cottonwood tree north of Weber Auto Body that has been creating drainage issues. Brian Beck voted against the measure, while all other members supported it.
    Discussion also turned to the 2026 budget. With a substantial projected revenue shortfall, council members stressed the importance of making budget information clear and accessible for the upcoming public forum.
    In public comment, resident Chad Hardina renewed his concerns about poor drainage near 7th Street and 16th Avenue. The area lies outside city limits, though annexation was briefly discussed. Hardina questioned how soon sewer hookups could be made available if annexation occurred, and city officials agreed to inspect the area and consider future action. A letter was also noted from community members expressing concern about the possibility of the swimming pool closing and urging the council to keep it open.
    A special alcohol license was approved for Snappers Dry Bean for a September 16 event at the Britton Event Center. Project updates from ISG engineer Michael Redenbaugh noted that sanitary sewer work should be completed by winter.
    The meeting ended with an executive session on personnel matters, with no action taken afterward.
    A public budget forum is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Britton Event Center Theatre, with a Zoom option available through the city’s Facebook page.