The Britton City Council met in special session last Wednesday, addressing several items including the ongoing water meter replacement project, a proposed land swap and county law enforcement funding.
Public Works Supervisor Cameron Gerken presented a list of more than 30 city water customers who have not yet scheduled installation of new water meters. Council members discussed ways to encourage compliance, with Mayor Clyde Fredrickson noting that other communities impose penalties in similar situations.
Following discussion, the council approved a one-time $100 fee to be added to the water bills of residents who do not schedule installation by April 17. Installations must be completed by July 1. If a resident fails to schedule by the next billing cycle, water service may be shut off and will not be restored until the meter is installed and the penalty is paid. City officials encouraged residents who have not received information by mail to contact the city to schedule installation.
City Attorney Justin Scott was consulted by phone and advised the action could be approved by motion. The measure passed unanimously.
The council also revisited a proposed land swap with Jason Bender involving property near the ballfield parking lot and the former sale barn site. Council members reviewed a plat of the sale barn lots, originally platted in 2023, and discussed the difference in property size, with the city’s parcel measuring approximately .71 acres compared to Bender’s .34-acre lot.
Fredrickson said any exchange must be in the public’s interest and account for differences in value. “If there is a difference in land value, we have to come up with just compensation to make it equal,” he said.
Council members noted the potential long-term benefits of acquiring the property, including space for a storage facility that could eliminate the need for the city to rent storage south of the ballfield. “We could get out from under the storage building rent,” said Councilman Brian Beck.
The council approved moving forward with the proposed swap, directing that costs be established based on past property offers and the presence of water hookup on the site.
In other business, the council discussed the county law enforcement and E911 budget. Councilman Tim Dahme, who serves on the city’s law enforcement committee, said he believes the current budget is “overinflated” and that the city may be paying more than its fair share compared to other municipalities and rural residents.
Dahme said upcoming county discussions on the budget could impact next year’s contract and emphasized the importance of city representation. The council approved a motion appointing Dahme and Beck to represent the city in those discussions.
The council concluded the meeting with an executive session for personnel. Following the session, members voted to offer a part-time finance officer position to Kassidy Larson who later accepted the position.
The next regular meeting of the council is scheduled for April 13.
