WELCOME — The city of Welcome is moving forward with plans to add eight rental housing units to the community.

The City Council this week held a public hearing on the matter while the Economic Development Authority gave preliminary approval of the sale of bonds not to exceed $1.5 million.

The housing development involves two four-plex buildings in the southwest corner of town. Potential renters already have been applying.

The next public meeting on the matter, before the issuance of bonds, will be when the council meets on Sept. 17.

In other business, the council:

o Discussed the 2021 budget and tabled it so members can study the proposals. Among things being considered: budgeting for improvements to the shelter house and the location of a 100-foot zip line at Hansen Keck Park.

o Approved a $6,000 contribution to the Relief Association and learned a new fire hall has been put on hold. There are 24 firefighters, with Chris Borchardt serving as chief, and Travis Schuett and Larry Schweiss as captains. Their wish list includes a new chassis for the rescue truck and a new clothers dryer for turnout gear.

o Discussed a joint powers agreement with Dunnell, Sherburn, Trimont and Welcome. The council asked the mayor to go back to the other cities and get a new contract specifying what each city pays, what liability is covered, how accountability is reported and how repairs are handled.

o Heard from city staff about possible new water meters in the next year or so. The council asked that vendors visit to explain their products, such as cellular water meters, which could be read from City Hall.