Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Council holds second reading, schedules third next month
Approval of the 2022 Royal code of ordinances moved one step closer toward completion as the council approved the second reading on Feb. 9.
As has been the case during much of the revision process, the only matter of concern during the public hearing was semi-tractor/trailer parking. Language under consideration prohibits semis from being parked on city streets in the restricted residential area, and only tractors may be parked on private property.
“This should help save the streets,” said Mayor Josh Toft. “The way it’s written, it covers the issue that was bothering us.”
The code also sets a 9-ton weight limit on city streets. The weight restriction does not apply to semis that are making deliveries.
The third and final reading of the revised code of ordinances is scheduled for March 9 during the regular council meeting.
• Budget review, projections
Prior to a line item review of the 2022-23 budget, the council held a hearing regarding the maximum amount of property taxes the city proposes to levy. City Clerk Barb Fletcher said anticipated revenues from all sources are “pretty well set” at $506,623.
Projected expenditures, based on changes made during the budget review, will increase by $20,500 and total $493,820. Expenditures estimates were raised for employee wages and benefits, and for items funded by road use and local option sales tax revenues.
The budget hearing is also scheduled for March 9.
• Box scraper, ARPA funding
The city has a box scraper that Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen uses to help clear snow from the streets. But the scraper has limitations and Nielsen suggested the city investigate purchasing a manufactured model that would do a better job.
“The homemade one works great but there are still only so many places you can go with it,” he observed.
Nielsen was asked to obtain quotes for a scraper that could be mounted on the city’s payloader.
The City of Royal is expected to receive another payment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in the spring. According to Fletcher, the first installment totaled over $30,000. There had been restrictions as to how those federal funds can be used.
One suggestion for using Royal’s allocation is painting the water tower. No decision was reached, but the council will continue to investigate that idea as well as other options.
