City Council approves new budget, discusses water and street upgrades

LAUREL —  Taxpayers will be paying the same amount to fund Laurel city government this year as compared to last year.

The tax rate remained virtually unchanged at almost 50 cents per $100 valuation when the City Council passed its $14 million budget last week. The city’s operating budget increased 41 percent over last year due to its ongoing projects, but many of those are covered by grants and other funding sources, City Clerk Vicki Carlson said.

The budget also included a two percent increase in employee wages and a one percent increase in restricted funds authority.

No one from the public attended the budget hearing.

The Council also discussed water infrastructure issues at its meeting, identifying that an additional well is a priority.  Three test holes that were drilled in June were unsuccessful, however.

JEO Engineer Roger Protzman has sent three more potential test hole sites to the state for approval.

The city is continuing to upgrade water meters in a project that started with replacing one-third of the meters in 2013. The other two-thirds will be replaced along with a new meter reading system to give a much more accurate account of water pumped versus water sold.

The city’s application for COVID stimulus funds under the American Rescue Plan Act includes some uses for water and sewer infrastructure improvements.

The Council was also updated on street improvement work, including updating the crosswalk on Highway 15.

The state recently authorized the Highway 15 crossing to be changed from a school crossing to a pedestrian crossing. The city will be updating it with rapid flashing push-button lights.

Bid-letting for the Spruce Street paving project is set for Thursday, Oct. 7.

New concrete has been installed between Second and Spruce streets through Oak, and new parking and sidewalks are in process.

Penro Construction has installed new water mains and service lines, and will continue installation of storm sewers. Tim Harris Construction will install new street and sidewalks with an estimated completion date of mid-November.

At its meeting last week, the City Council also:

- Approved a discount on resident utility bills for participation in the annual lighting contest with registration at the city office or Laurel chamber.

- Joined the National Purchasing Partnership which will allow the city to make certain purchases at a reduced price. The partnership was recommended by JEO Consulting.

- Re-negotiated a contract with JEO Consulting.

- Hired RVW Engineering to map and study the city’s electric system.

- Approved the Christensen Family Trust disbursement of U.S. Treasury Bond in the amount of $8,315.50.

- Approved Miller Painting and Decorating Inc. for a 10-year contract.

- Heard an update from the Chamber on its tailgate and upcoming activities, as well as some recent editorials about Laurel’s civic vision in the Omaha World Herald.