The last meeting of the Fennimore City Council of 2024 was held on Monday, Dec. 16.,
The scheduled 2025 budget discussion and approval was postponed until Monday, Jan. 6 for further number crunching.
As the numbers stand now, for 2025, the city’s proposed revenue and expenditures are estimated at $2,914,764.
In the 2024, the city’s actual revenue came in at $2,419,199, while expenses for the year finished out at $2,406.661.
The 2024 budgeted numbers were revenue and expenses at $2,625,184 and $2,625.183.
The council did approve a 3% wage increase for 2025 for full-time city employees including those in the street department, electric department, water department, wastewater department, mechanic and city office department.
Dwight T. Parker Librarian Cathy Smith gave the council a update on the library expansion.
Smith said she has been a “good busy” since the library’s $4.25 million grant was approved back in October and with the remodeling project have a strict deadline of completion by October 2026.
There have been weekly meetings with FEH Design regarding the building design both inside and outside and the hope is to start the construction bidding process at the beginning of February.
With the grant, the library has raised just over $5 million towards the project, with an additional $750,000 needing to be raised.
Smith stated the library currently has two fundraising campaigns, the 100 Extraordinary Woman initiative (see front page) and a capital gains programs, reaching out to potential people and businesses for donations.
Also, in conjunction with the library’s 100th anniversary on Dec. 29, there will be an open house held at the library on Monday, Dec. 30, from noon- 6 p.m. Attendees can ask question about the library and the remodeling project, and refreshments will be served.
Additionally, there will be a Governor’s Proclamation ceremony at 1 p.m. to signify the library’s 100th anniversary.
In other council business, the council approved a $240,000 allocation for purchase of a new dump truck with a plow. The funds will come from the city’s GO Funds, which City Clerk Ashley Edge stated has a “substantial amount” left and must be used by April or May.
GO Funds are used by cities to fund public projects, or investments that serve the public.
Director of Public Works Jordan Fritche stated he would start receiving bids for the new truck.
In his report, Fennimore Police Chief Chris French wrote that “All officers remain busy with investigations and complaints. We’ve seen an increase in sensitive crimes investigations this year. These investigations involve cooperation and coordination with other agencies/special services and require a significant amount of time to prepare and maintain as they move through the court process”
He also stated that “We (the police department) will have some leftover money in our budget this year as we were able to use grant money to purchase needed equipment earlier this year. Even though we’ve built two squads in the last twelve months, it is time to start saving for the next new squad as vehicle purchase/build costs will go up.”
Edge stated in her city clerk’s report that the city had completed their randomly selected election equipment audit, which was done last month, with the Wisconsin Election Commission accepting the results.
Lastly, Mayor Ryan Boebel stated that the city is beginning to search to find a new Community Development Manger. Former manager Lydia McLimans resigned at last month’s council meeting and her last day was Dec. 6.
Boebel did state that there is “interest in the position from at least two people.”
The next meeting of the Fennimore City Council is tentatively scheduled for Monday, Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m., in the council chambers of City Hall.
