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BakerTilly Senior Manager Justin Hoagland attended the meeting to review the financial highlights of the 2022 Financial Report with the board. Hoagland reported that there was a $228,000 net loss to the general fund in 2022, indicating a downward trend for the general fund. He added that the general obligation debt limit percentage was at 68% on 12/31/22. Hoagland concluded by stating that for water and sewer utilities, “the village expenses are higher than the village revenue” and recommended a rate study be done for the sewer and water utilities.
Redgranite Temporary Consultant Glen McCarty distributed a chart showing eight local communities, including Redgranite, and their rate of return on their water utilities. The chart indicated that Redgranite’s rate of return has been negative since 2016. McCarty was in agreement with Hoagland that Redgranite needs to have a rate study completed in the near future. After further discussion, the board did not act on filing for a Simplified Rate Case Study as it can be completed in the fall.
McCarty added that out of those eight communities listed on the chart, six of them put their public fire protection on resident’s water bills. He said he has had a few phone calls from village residents who questioned why their water/sewer utility bills had increased, but said in general there were not many calls or concerns.
Police Chief Kyle Tarr told the board that there has to be something done at Quarry Park. He said people are hiding their drugs/alcohol when they arrive at the quarry and then getting intoxicated, getting into fights, pushing people off of the rocks/cliffs, leaving garbage behind when they leave, and drinking underage. He said his officers are limited in how much time they can spend at the quarry due to other duties. Tarr told the board that he has heard a rumor that he wants to close the quarry, but emphasized that this is only a rumor and that he has no intention of trying to close the quarry. Tarr added that the Village of Howard also has a quarry where people can swim, so he will discuss with their police chief to see if they have received funding (grants, etc.) to employ more officers/employees to operate and patrol their quarry park.
After further discussion about Quarry Park, the board set a Quarry Committee reorganization meeting for Monday, July 31 at 6 p.m. at the municipal building. Anyone interested in being a member of the committee may attend.
In other business, the board approved:
*A quote from Sabel Mechanical for sewer ditch mixer drive and coupling, for $27,758.88. It will be funded through the Equipment Replacement Fund.
*Operator’s licenses for Rebecca Krebsbach (the Barracks), Nicole Kasch (the Barracks), and Wyatt Hagar (Dollar General), from July 18, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
*The next Committee of the Whole meeting, to review ordinances, for Monday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at the municipal building.
*Job interviews for a part-time police officer for Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. at the municipal building. The Police Committee will meet following the interviews.
*A Quarry Committee meeting reorganization on Monday, July 31 at 6 p.m. at the municipal building. Several people in attendance at the board meeting volunteered to be on the committee.
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