ELLIS–There was no public there Aug. 8 for the Ellis 2017 budget public hearing–not an unusual situation.

But the public was on the mind of city council members and city staff as they talked about the proposed 17 percent sewer rate increase included in the proposed budget.

Council Member Jolene Niernberger wondered if the hike would be enough to sustain the city’s utility fund while Assistant City Clerk Charlene Weber said most customers understood the need for the rate increase but were concerned about such a big increase all at once.

City Budget Consultant Galen Pfeifer said he still recommended a 20 percent increase for longevity.

In the end, the 2017 budget was approved as submitted by a 4-2 vote.

The complete August 8 special meeting minutes follow.

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz. Also present were City Clerk Amy Burton, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, and Police Chief Taft Yates.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC PRESENT
Galen Pfeifer, Charlene Weber
PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor David McDaniel stated the purpose of the special meeting is to hear public comments on the proposed 2017 budget and to consider approval of the budget document.
2017 BUDGET HEARING
General Government: Financial – 2017 City of Ellis Budget
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to enter into the City of Ellis 2017 Budget Hearing. The motion carried 6-0. The budget hearing began at 7:02 p.m. Mayor David McDaniel stated the proposed budget has been published the required amount of time and that tonight is an opportunity for the citizens of Ellis to comment on the proposed budget for 2017. Council member Jolene Niernberger inquired of City Budget Consultant Galen Pfeifer if the proposed 17% increase in the sewer rates would be sufficient to sustain that utility fund. Under State Statutes, utility funds have to be self-sufficient. Mr. Pfeifer stated that after looking at the projections, he still recommended a 20% rate increase for longevity; however, a 17% increase is certainly in the right direction. Assistant City Clerk Charlene Weber stated in talking to customers most understand the need for the rate increase, but are concerned about the big spikes in rate increases. Customers expressed they would rather see smaller more frequent increases rather than the big jumps. Mr. Pfeifer added that if the rate increase would end up being too much, that money can either go into the General Fund to help reduce the mill levy, or to the Sewer Depreciation Reserve fund to help pay for sewer infrastructure. There being no further public comments, Council member John Walz moved to adjourn the budget hearing. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. The budget hearing adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
General Government: Financial – 2017 City of Ellis Budget – Budget Approval
Council member John Walz moved to approve the 2017 budget document as presented. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Gary Luea opposed.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.