Council Advances Utility Rate Changes, Addresses Parking and Park Improvements

ALLISON — The Allison City Council held a public hearing and regular meeting on Nov. 24, approving updates to both sewer and water ordinances while also discussing community concerns ranging from holiday decorations to semi parking near the EMS building.

The meeting opened with a public hearing on two ordinance amendments. The sewer rate update, Ordinance 265, reduces the monthly debt service charge from $31.65 to $24.20 due to State Revolving Fund forgiveness. The water rate amendment, Ordinance 266, includes a 10 percent rate increase and establishes a $5 facility fee for all but the top usage tier, which will carry a $100 facility fee. No written or oral objections were submitted, and the council closed the hearing and moved forward with approval. Both ordinances were adopted and the second and third readings were waived.

During the open forum, residents raised several issues. Joe Conlon asked the council to consider removing overgrown bushes near the Main Street park and replacing them with pine trees. The council agreed that the change would improve the appearance of the area. Conlon also questioned why seven Main Street poles lacked Christmas decorations. Council members explained that new decorations are added gradually as funds allow, and some poles cannot be outfitted until they become metered. The city plans to review additional decoration options after the season.

Bailey Mittelstadt and Jenna Rekers requested alternative parking for semis currently positioned too close to the EMS building. The council agreed to direct drivers with city permits to use the lot near the city dump where recycling bins are located, providing more space and improving access.

The council approved a building permit for Butler County REC and accepted the annual exam findings presented by a representative of Larry Pump’s office. Three findings were removed from the previous year, two were added, and six remain from earlier reports. One newly added finding has already been resolved, and efforts continue to address the remaining items.

A representative from Dumont Telephone Company informed the council that additional fiber will be installed near the industrial park at no cost to the city. Work will begin when conditions allow.

The council also renewed the Wellmark Silver health insurance plan for employees. The renewal includes an 8.2 percent increase, raising the monthly cost from $4,614.04 to $4,991.59.

Council members discussed plans to seek bids for snow removal on a per-time basis. Notices will be published with bids due Dec. 8. The council will review submissions that evening.

A deputy clerk reported a significant decrease in delinquent utility accounts, which she attributed to the billing due date change. She also noted ongoing communication with Neptune regarding technical issues with meter data. Additionally, the council received an update on discussions with Clarksville regarding sharing the cost of a certified inspector, with more information expected soon.