Approve budget, policy changes
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The Tuscola City Council met Monday evening and approved a series of measures including the city’s fiscal year 2027 budget, amendments to the personnel policy and an audit engagement letter.
The Council’s consent agenda included approval of minutes from the April 13 meeting, the March financial report, payment of bills totaling $86,661.63, and pay requests for Midwest Custom Fencing — a $4,800 change order for dugout screening and a $22,800 final invoice for work completed at the East Ball Diamond in Ervin Park.
The Council adopted a resolution amending the city’s personnel policy in two ways. A new Section 3.9 establishes a Personal Wear Allowance of up to $250 annually for full-time public works outdoor employees to purchase work wear such as boots, coveralls and rain gear. Unused amounts do not carry over from year to year.
The Council also amended the personal time off policy to increase annual PTO accrual by approximately 2.5 days for most employees and accelerate the tenure steps at which employees reach higher accrual rates — from years 2, 8, and 15 under the old policy to years 2, 5, 8, 15, and 20. The maximum PTO carryover for full-time employees was also increased from 80 to 120 hours per year.
The Council formally adopted the FY2027 budget and an accompanying wage and salary schedule, effective April 27 and to be reflected in the May 13 payroll. The schedule sets the city administrator salary at $128,789 and the police chief at $100,026, among other positions.
An engagement letter with LWH CPAs for the city’s annual audit was approved at a fee of $36,750, a $1,250 increase over the prior year. The Council also approved a write-off of $4,694.33 in uncollectible utility bills — covering water, sewer and garbage accounts — as a standard end-of-fiscal-year accounting measure.
Mayor Daniel J. Kleiss presented the annual appointment of city officers and board and commission members for the term running May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Drew Hoel was reappointed city administrator, Craig Hastings as police chief, Alta Long as treasurer, Brian Moody as fire chief, and Mike Salmon as building and electrical inspector.
ONGOING PROJECTS
City Administrator Drew Hoel reported that the swimming pool renovation remains on schedule to open on time, though several items remain pending — including missing bathroom partitions expected in a couple of weeks and delayed pool slide parts. Crews have installed a new water service line and replaced the pool filter media.
Hoel reported that Midwest Custom Fencing completed the East Ball Diamond fencing project on time. The $4,800 change order approved Monday covers two additional 25-by-8-foot tall screening sections installed in front of the dugouts.
On municipal electric aggregation, Hoel noted the city has received numerous inquiries following the mailing of opt-out letters to residents. He said the new muni-ag rate takes effect in June and that Ameren’s current rate is lower than the muni-ag rate only through May 31. Residents were encouraged to weigh their options, as the city does not receive revenue from the program.
The Washington Street Project is moving toward a bid advertisement, with revised Motor Fuel Tax appropriations documents expected at the May 11 meeting and a potential contract approval by early June.
The Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11.
