Council amends budget to cover land deals, 150th party

Luverne City Council members approved $282,000 in budget amendments for several unplanned 2017 expenses.
The amendments were prompted by the acquisition of land for development and by an increased contribution to the Chamber for additional costs associated with 150th Celebration activities.
The city purchased parcels at 202 W. Maple for $36,000, 204 N. Freeman for $25,000, 838 W. Main for $133,500 (seven acres north of Rock County Opportunities on the west side of Luverne), 107 S. Estey for $32,500 and CHS Kniss Outlot for $20,000.
The city’s contribution for Luverne’s 150th celebration activities increased from $25,000 to $35,000.
The amendments approved Aug. 8 are funded from reserves and will not cause total appropriations to exceed total estimated revenue and cash fund balances.
Budget amendments are not uncommon for governmental bodies that often encounter unforeseen expenses.
On May 9 the city approved a $21,000 budget amendment to replace failing light fixtures at the pool with LED light fixtures.
 
Sealcoating south of school
City crews have been patching streets and crack sealing ahead of this summer’s sealcoating projects in neighborhoods of the school.
Streets between Dodge and Main and between Highway 75 and Cottage Grove are being seal coated this year.
Some streets in the Sybesma and Manfred Heights additions will also be seal coated where needed.
City Administrator John Call remarked that the work is costly and inconvenient, but it’s worth it in the long run.
“Every $1 spent on maintenance saves $8 to $10 in projects down the road,” he said.
 
In other
administrative reports:
•Call said the Luverne Street construction project is moving above ground with the underground infrastructure now in place.
Crews are now working on grading, sub materials and drainage for curb and gutter.
•The water tower paintwork is now finished and electrical fixtures are in place to illuminate the Luverne logos on the tank.
“For people driving on South Highway 75, it’s really going to stand out at night,” Call said.
•The water/waste water department is undergoing a toxicity study because the MPCA found Luverne’s wastewater effluent was out of compliance.