BRITTON COUNCIL: REORGANIZATION, FINALIZES WATER RATES

    In its first meeting of the year last Tuesday, the Britton City Council addressed various reorganizational matters, reappointing Justin Scott as city attorney and finalizing a 3% salary increase for regular full-time and part-time employees, as previously budgeted.
    The council finalized water and sewer rates through a resolution. In-town water users will pay $24 plus $6 per 1,000 gallons, while out-of-town users will pay $32.38. Residential sewer rates are $15.18 plus $1 per 1,000 gallons of water used, with business sewer rates set at $15.18 plus $3 per 1,000 gallons.
    The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to add a fee for dump site use, and they adopted a finalized golf cart ordinance. The new ordinance requires operators to hold a valid driver’s license, obtain a permit, and adhere to specific operating hours. The full ordinance is detailed in this week’s public notices.
    ISG Engineer Michael Redenbaugh provided updates on the sewer reconstruction project, noting that most work is complete except for seeding and a few punch list items. He also reported that the city’s inventory of service lines for the lead and copper rule is complete. Public Works Supervisor George Flanery shared that few, if any, lead lines were found. The city is required to develop a replacement plan for lead or galvanized pipes by November 2027, with a ten-year timeline for replacements thereafter.
    The group also addressed the North Marshall Fire Department’s heating costs. While the city no longer includes NMFD’s utility costs in its budget, the council agreed to cover utility expenses from late 2024 that were billed in January. NMFD representatives are expected to attend an upcoming meeting to discuss additional costs traditionally covered by the city.
    In other business, the council reviewed letters of intent from Wireless Propco, a company purchasing leases for cell towers. The agreement will provide the city with upfront cash, with Wireless Propco negotiating with cell companies directly in the future.
    They also discussed encroachment issues with the Weber land near the storage units being built on the south side of town near the ballparks. Construction has extended onto city property, and the council considered sending a letter to resolve the matter.
    The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m.