CITY GIVES RAISES, LOOKING FOR NEW FINANCE OFFICER

    The Britton City Council met Monday night for their first meeting of the year that was partially reorganizational and included personnel matters, rate adjustments, policy updates, and progress reports on ongoing projects.
    Mayor Clyde Fredrickson acknowledged a special meeting that was held on Jan. 5 when the Council discussed the resignation of Finance Office Jennifer Athey. Athey’s resignation will take effect in the near future, and the city has begun advertising to fill the position. 
    As part of annual organizational business, the council reappointed Justin Scott as city attorney and approved Resolution 2026-2, setting water and sewer rates for 2026. With BDM increasing its water rate by 30 cents, the council voted to raise the city’s water rate from $6 to $6.30 per 1,000 gallons. The increase does not include any potential surcharge related to the upcoming water meter project. The council also approved a 3 percent cost-of-living wage increase for all regular full-time and part-time employees, along with a 50-cent hourly raise for summer help.
    Several policy updates were reviewed and approved, including revisions to the city’s Miscellaneous Policies and Procedures. As previously discussed in December, the council removed the $3,000 annual cap on the city’s sales tax reimbursement program for qualifying machinery purchases, a move intended to encourage business investment. Updates were also made to the personnel policy, changing City Hall hours to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a half-hour lunch break, while the city’s safety policy remained unchanged.
    The council received an update on the city’s water meter project and approved authorization for the mayor and/or council president to sign related financing and project documents. Interim Public Works Supervisor Cameron Gerken reported that the project has encountered delays, including an overestimated electrician cost. Gerken said a contractor in Aberdeen may complete the electrical work, and Otter Tail Power has agreed to install a needed 70-foot tower at no cost to the city.
    In other business, the council adopted Resolution 2026-3, approving the city’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. Marshall County Emergency Management Director Logan Roehr explained that the updated plan, required every five years, identifies risks such as flooding and allows the city to apply for state and federal grant funding.
    The council discussed Ordinance No. 627, a proposed code of conduct for elected officials drafted by City Attorney Scott, but did not approve the first reading. The ordinance outlines expectations for civility, confidentiality, and cooperation, along with potential sanctions for violations. Council members tabled the item to allow additional time for review.
    Other actions included approval of an updated special liquor license application to require an estimated attendance count and a sheriff’s signature, and a follow-up discussion regarding council seat holdovers. After a letter from Scott confirmed the city’s compliance with state law, and noted new requirements effective Jan. 1, the council voted to formally appoint Brian Beck and Tim Dahme to their current council seats.
    Fredrickson also provided updates on the Britton Event Center upstairs project, noting that work must be completed or donation funds returned. He said he plans to finish framing and sheetrock while plumbing work is arranged for the upstairs bathroom.
    The council approved the purchase of a Square cash register system for the city pool at a cost of $1,450, following a recommendation from Pool Manager Laken Warner, who said the system will improve data tracking and reporting.
    The meeting concluded with the council entering executive session for personnel matters. No action was taken after the session.