Venango board approves utility rate increase, reorganizes village offices
The Venango Village Board approved a 3 percent increase to water, sewer and trash rates and completed its annual reorganization during its regular meeting Dec. 9 at the town hall.
The rate increase, approved by unanimous vote, will take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and applies to both residential and commercial customers. Board members also received reports on water, sewer, trash and street operations and discussed progress on the village’s new well.
Board members present included Chairman Thomas Tines, Christina Farnsworth, Troy Grothman and Dennis Ekdahl. Cody Miller was absent.
The board approved the November meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer’s report presented by Suzan Hatteberg. The general checking account showed a Nov. 28 balance of $84,000. The CRA/TIF account balance stood at $413,060.86, and the Keno account balance totaled $101,682.17.
As part of the village’s annual reorganization, the board approved the following appointments:
• Thomas Tines, chairman
• Christina Farnsworth, utilities supervisor
• Cody Miller, village treasurer
• Dennis Ekdahl, street supervisor
• Troy Grothman, village clerk
• Cody Miller, zoning administrator
Several members abstained from votes related to their own appointments.
Jeff Skeels of The HomeTown Agency reviewed the village’s 2026 insurance renewal. The board approved the renewal as presented.
The board also approved tobacco licenses for Crossroads and Middle of Nowhere Bar and Grill for 2026 and authorized Mowers and More to perform annual maintenance on the village’s Grasshopper mower.
Board members approved an engagement letter with Skiles, Loop, Bremer & White CPAs for an audit waiver for the 2024–25 fiscal year.
During the bills portion of the meeting, the board approved payment of $16,456.32 to Potts Electric for the new well house, to be paid from Keno funds, and authorized the purchase of a new printer not to exceed $1,200. Additional bills and payroll were approved as presented.
Board members also expressed appreciation to volunteers who placed flags along Pennsylvania Avenue in observance of Veterans Day.
The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the town hall.