City council talks audits, golf carts

An audit presentation and a discussion about golf carts were the hot button topics at the regular New Richland city council meeting June 9.

 

Tom Olinger of the accounting firm Abdo, Eick & Meyers presented an overview of the 2024 audit to the council. His presentation included showing similarities to past budget years; he also reported an issue discovered from last year regarding sales tax remittance was resolved in this year’s finances.  

 

Olinger said the overall general fund budget, which is usually 50%, has increased to 62% this year. “Good to have that continue to grow,” he said. 

 

For revenues, Olinger said the general fund had a net increase of $173,000. The revenues were over budget, but the expenditures were under budget. 

 

The overall trend in taxes decreased slightly from the previous year and the general fund expenditures were flat from previous years.

 

The capital improvement fund did have an increase related to contribution and property tax. The net service fund stands at $225,000.

 

The water fund saw cash flow in, while the sewer fund saw a negative. Nursing home operations stayed the same and cash has been flowing in Cedar Point, with $86,000 in that fund. 

 

Olinger said there was an overall increase in cash funds of about $300,000 in the last year. 

Tax rates kept pretty flat, with not a lot of change in market value. Olinger said this is in line with Waseca County. He also said to keep in mind capital needs and to keep investing back into the city. 

 

Citizen Gail Schmidt presented questions and concerns regarding the use of golf carts in town. She said the space along the south side of the waterway has long been used by drivers of small vehicles as a path to Casey’s or The Willows. She went on to say she is confused by a recent announcement from the police department that the space is private property and should not be used by public traffic. Schmidt said she has been using the trail for 20 years and sees no reason why the practice should be changed. 

 

Schmidt presented a document with signatures from all property owners but one, saying they agree to let the path be used. Talk of liability concerns and whether an ordinance or easement would help the situation was raised by council members.

 

During the meeting, Shannon Sweeney discussed the competitive sale of general obligation improvement and utility bonds of the city. He said five bids were received, with Northland Security being the low and desirable bid. The resolution to choose Northland was moved and approved. 

 

Reports were given by Sarah Sundve for the ambulance, Shell Johnson for the people service report, the fire department, and Chief of Police Tanyce Bruegger. 

 

Bruegger said there were 137 calls, 32 traffic stops, 29 ordinance violations, 39 directed patrols and lock checks and 16 assists of other agencies during May. She also reminded the council and public that grass should be no more than six inches tall and to not blow clippings into the roadway. 

 

Care Center administrator Bob Johannsen gave the Care Center report and said the center is working to improve in areas related to regulatory changes and quality improvement. The facility experienced an $18,000 profit in April; Johannsen said the census was good. 

City Hall will be closed June 19 for Juneteenth and July 4.