The Wellman City Council approved a 2022-23 municipal budget on Monday, March 7 that projects an increase in the city’s ending fund balance on June 30, 2023.

The maximum budgeted tax levy for 2022-23 will be $10.91 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For fiscal 2021-22, the rate was $12.50 per $1,000.  For accounting purposes, Iowa ‘s municipal years begin on July 1 and conclude on June 30.

The lower rate was triggered by reductions in the city’s indebtedness. The reduced indebtedness and a slight increase in total revenues are expected to leave the city with a net gain of approximately $500,000 in its ending fund balance.

In other business, council members approved an agreement for professional engineering services with Calhoun-Burns for preliminary design work on the 9th Avenue Bridge project. The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has plans to replace the bridge within the next few years.

The estimated cost of the replacement project is $1.4 to $1.5 million, with the city responsible for engineering and design costs. The state will pay up to $1 million of the construction costs and retains the right of final approval of both the design and engineering proposals. The Washington County Engineering Department will assist Wellman with the plan.

Council members heard a presentation concerning Scofield Library programs from library director Erin Campbell. The library hosts story times for children on Tuesdays and has initiated a “murder-mystery club.” The library’s Outreach programs include a story time at Sunrise Child Care and a communal reading session at Parkview Manor.

Council members approved an $1,800 agreement with J&M Displays for July 4th fireworks.

The city council voted to draft a letter of support and make a contribution to the YMCA of Washington’s second phase of construction to add an aquatic center.