WELCOME– The Welcome City Council met Tuesday evening at the Welcome City Hall and approved the tax levy which had a 2.5 percent increase.

The council accepted the $6,000 League of MN Cities Insurance dividend for the general fund and allocated the $300,000 excess funds to the following: $100,000 to the park fund for needed improvements; $10,000 to the Welcome Fire Department; and $30,000 and the rest to capital projects such as street improvements and street equipment.

Darren Thate, a representative from the Martin County West School Board, presented information to the council about the proposed task force to address the former Welcome School building condition and possible demolition or sales. He asked the council to be part of the task force since it would directly affect the community and the school board wanted their input. There will be an advertisement for the task force in local newspapers and on social media so that those wishing to be considered for the task force could apply. The MCW School Board’s building & grounds committee will choose five people to help decide what to do with the building and search for anyone who would like to purchase the building or demolish the building. They and the council agreed that a person should not just let the building sit there and suggested an assurance-type bond and a timeline be set for any action by others. Thate suggested that two council members be on the task force or one and that they coordinate with the council as much as possible. He suggested calling the MCW School office at (507) 764-2330 or himself at (507) 236-9012, for further information. Watch for information in the media.

The question about the fence around the storm water pond near Welcome Meats for safety was posed to the insurance company and the letter that they returned said that the pond does not need a fence since it is like a swamp or lake and other bodies of water in Minnesota. The residents should know that no body of water is safe and be aware that they and any children should not be in or near the water.

The placement of the Martin County ‘Hog Wild’ pig statue was discussed with the city park being chosen as the designated place. The council will ask for ideas to decorate the pig.

The water meter installation has 192 meters to install yet. Residents are asked to call the city hall.

The meeting went into closed session to discuss the applications, interview questions and interview schedule concerning the new city employee position.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at the city hall in Welcome.