No change in property tax levy in Wayland

By KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

WAYLAND ? With no one to contest the fiscal year 2015/16 budget for the City of Wayland during a public hearing Wednesday night, the council unanimously approved the budget during its regularly scheduled meeting following the public hearing.

The property tax levy will remain at $7.35 per $1,000 taxable valuation.

The total expenditures is significantly less than last year, showing $1,827,524 for FY 2015/16 as opposed to $2,242,429 the previous fiscal year. A large chunk of that decrease came from a decrease in capital projects. Last year, the city spent $485,240 as opposed to $353,391 for 2015/16

The ending fund balance will be $1,590,136 as opposed to the previous $1,471,114.

During its meeting, the council also discussed the asbestos removal quotes for the former museum at 113 West Main Street. The city received two quotes, one from Environmental Management, of Dubuque, for $3,490, and one from Abatement Specialists, of Cedar Rapids, for $6,330.

Before accepting the lower bid from Environmental Management, gas superintendent, Barry Leichty, proposed having the city send a public works employee to an asbestos removal training so the city wouldn?t have to bid out projects anymore.

City Clerk Beverly Conrad said a five-day training class is $650 and the yearly refresher classes are $150.

Conrad said it would be something to think about for the future.

As for the current project, Conrad said Environmental Management said they would begin working on the former museum once the weather warmed up.

The council also approved a resolution supporting the Wayland Volunteer Fire Department application for the Washington County Riverboat Foundation Grant. Conrad said the grant, which they?re asking for $140,000, would go towards the purchase of a new fire truck. The council also approved pledging $30,000 in support of purchasing a new fire truck. Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Services will be helping the city with the grant, which is due on April 8.

Council members also discussed setting dates for the citywide yard sale as well as dates for the spring clean up. However, due to other area events, like graduation and the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) sale, the council was unable to set a date. The item will be discussed during the council?s next meeting, which will be March 18, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. at the Wayland City Hall.

In other business, the council:

? Approved a $100 donation for WACO prom.

? Reviewed the water rate ordinance.

? Approved sending Isaiah Stauffer to the IAMU Gas Boot Camp from March 30 ?April 3 in Ankeny.

? Approved sending Beverly Conrad to the IMFOA in Des Moines from April 15 ? 17.

? Discussed, in closed session, the purchase of real estate.