The City of Grant City had total income of $1,159,036.47 and expenses of $1,009,075 for a total surplus of around $150,000. The figures do not include money for the USDA water line project that is nearing completion. This includes a $100,000 surplus for the water fund, a $38,000 surplus for the sewer fund, and a $5,000 deficit for the gas fund. Tax collection revenues were higher than expected as the city succeeded in collecting some delinquent taxes. The city held a special meeting Wednesday to conduct business due to the lack of a quorum at their regular January 22nd meeting.
Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that the city was trying to get chlorine in the new line so that the city could send in testing samples and then open the new water line. Paperwork for the project is being finalized. Staton reported that he had kept a daily log of all pipe used for the project. The council voted to approve a change order for the project with the stipulation that the city will not approve the costs for a directional bore for $11,200. The following conditions were also made: All roads, intersections, signs, mailboxes, and tubes must be put back in the same condition that they were before the project began. One council member reported getting a complaint due to the project. Gravel must be put down on all roads affected. All trenches where there is settlement or holes must be filled to grade. The new water main must be tested and passed and in service by February 17th before penalties apply. Deadline for seeding, mulching, fertilizing, and final grade is May 16th. Staton reported that six different meters froze during the cold weather, which included temperatures of ten below zero. The city also fixed a water leak.
The city received a query from a prospective customer regarding gas service to a residence just outside of city limits. The council responded that it would not be feasible to add one customer as it would cost an estimated $6,000 to $7,000 on the city's part to bring the line to the city limits unless the customer were willing to pay for the entire project. The council makes such decisions on a case by case basis.
The city will put in a bid for the Department of Revenue office again this year. Should someone else get the bid, they will have to find a new office since the bid does not come with the office.
The council approved the budget for 2014. The city is looking to build a new city barn to replace the current one, which is aging. Estimated cost for a 60 by 80 foot barn would be between $80,000 and $100,000. The city could do their own labor in order to save costs. The city will look into possible grant sources for the project. The council voted to add $25,000 to water, sewer, and street/gas fund to capital outlay. The city says that the costs to repair and maintain the current barn exceed the cost of getting a new one.
The council voted to re-appoint Dave Moyer, Barb Pickering, and Joan Ford to the Board of Adjustment and appoint Becky McElvain and Andy Thurman to the board.
The initial meeting between the city and the state's economic development team will be held sometime near the end of March.
No comments:
Post a Comment