Grant City Council approves utility rate increases, reviews library funding agreement
Grant residents will see increases in both electric and water rates later this year after action taken by the Grant City Council during its regular meeting May 12.
The council approved a 4% increase in electrical rates effective June 1 and also approved an increase in the city’s electrical billing surcharge rate. Both measures were adopted through resolutions and passed unanimously.
Council members also reviewed a water rate study conducted by Randy Hellbusch of the Nebraska Rural Water Association. Following discussion, the council approved recommended water rate increases to take effect Oct. 1.
In other business, the council began reviewing an interlocal cooperation agreement governing library funding between Perkins County and the City of Grant beginning July 1. Rather than taking immediate action, council members directed City Attorney Tawna Holmstedt to review the agreement and consider any recommendations from the library board before bringing a revised version back for consideration at the May 26 meeting.
The council also awarded the city’s property and casualty insurance coverage to Hometown Agency, the sole firm to submit a quotation. Jeff Skeels of Hometown Agency presented an overview of the policy and answered questions from council members before the unanimous vote.
City Superintendent Derek Brueggeman provided updates on several upcoming community meetings and projects, including meetings of the tree board, library board and park and recreation advisory committee. He also informed council members of the annual cemetery cleanup scheduled for May 16 and provided an update on the city’s parking lot project.
The council acknowledged receipt of enforcement, sheriff and water reports. Financial reports were still being prepared and will be reviewed at a future meeting. No public comments were received.
Council members approved bills and claims totaling $321,387.25. Major expenditures included bond payments associated with the city pool, electric transmission charges, utility operations, legal services, landfill fees, police contract costs and pool chemicals.
Mayor Lisa Schmitt adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m.
The next council meetings are as follows: A joint meeting with council and the library board will be held on Monday, June 8 at 7 p.m., a regular council meeting is scheduled for June 9 at 7 p.m. and another special meeting with the council and the library board will be held Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m.