SHERBURN — Sherburn City Council met Monday evening and heard from Shannon Sweeney of David Brown Associates firm at a public hearing about funding for the Highway 4 project and a proposed tax abatement for the bond issue. The council later approved the bond issue authorization to borrow money that the tax would pay over 15 years.

The highway is under Minnesota Department of Transportation and the sidewalks, street lighting and some sewer are Sherburn City projects. The tax assessment will be on all taxpayers not just on those who benefit from the improvement. Both authorizations are to fund the bond issue. Later the council approved the bond issue for $800,000+, $17,500 was under sewer and $14,500 was under water and the rest of the abatement of taxes. There would be a payment of $52,000 per year for 15 years. MN Rural Water has a lending program for amounts less than a million and would lend the money for 5 percent interest. The interest rate is rising so Sweeney advised that it was an appropriate interest.

Several programs from lenders were assessed by the Brown Associates firm and this was recommended by them. The City has one more payment for an older bond and then that money could be earmarked for part of the new loan payment. The council did not eliminate a water rate increase but did not approve one yet.

Also at the regular meeting the council approved the sale of 205 West Third Street EDA property with an assessment of $7,500 for street improvements. This needed to be done for County law. The property will be on the tax roll as it is improved. The council also

agreed that the bills would be more clear if under the label of what they were paid for as opposed to just listed with a label. This would also help city hall employees make clear the bills and what they are for.

The administrator’s report included some City works information about the hydrant cleaning being done and two hydrants that needed repair. The City is looking for a lease on a tractor that is compatible with the snow blower. City Park is locked for the season.

The payloader needs some repair that may be expensive and some generators need repair. There are three properties that have not paid taxes for several years.

The third party pay system is used for utility payments by card by some residents and the City is looking into a new company.

In other news:

— Police Chief, Trevor Yochim, reported police actions and explained Sherburn hours and the Welcome hours to cover the two cities for 24 hour coverage. There are three full-time and two part-time officers (with a third part time possible) in the department.

— The council discussed the general fund and public safety fund being over budget and the reasons it was so. There may be reimbursement from the State but that will not be until next year. The safety fund overage may have been since five new fire department members have been added. The general fund may be from salary for overtime. The question of who authorizes overtime was discussed. The council will meet with City employees about that soon.

– Delinquent water accounts were discussed and city hall employees reported that there is a $32,000 bill from 40+ accounts. Most are smaller and have set up payment programs. There are six larger accounts any where from $1,000 to $2,600 that are behind in payments. Letters about those accounts may be sent before winter.

The next meeting of the Sherburn City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Sherburn City Hall.