WELCOME — The Welcome City Council, on Tuesday, heard reports and discussed the extra mobility charge from the construction company for installing asphalt on Mill Street to the Welcome Oil Facility. There was to be an additional charge of $7,500 to install the asphalt earlier than the other part of Mill Street, due to the heavy truck traffic usually on the street. Bolton and Menk Engineer Derek Behrens explained the charge. The council discussed the curb being made and hoped the truck could have some extra gravel built up where they need it, and the asphalt could wait until the whole project on that street is ready. This would eliminate the extra charge. This was approved by the council. Behrens will communicate that to the company. The estimate for the project payment was $31,000, approved by the council.

Clerk Jodi Hemann discussed the 2026 budget. Several items that could be reduced were mentioned, including part-time help with office duties and changes to water and sewer. The street project interest and bank fee must be paid, which is $71,000. She reminded the council that the amount sent to the State in September may be lowered but not increased. The last amount planned is due in December, so they have some time to work out changes and reductions. A work session on Sept. 16 regarding the budget was proposed for after the next meeting.

In other business, the tractor lease contract will be completed this month, and the company leasing the tractor will not lease it next year. Several options were proposed by the company, including a three-year lease of the tractor the city has now for more, buy a used tractor for $35,000 or buy a new tractor for $36,000, which is not as powerful as the one they have now. The council approved waiting and investigating options with other companies. The utility worker said the tractor use could be reduced for a while if the company wants to take the tractor they are using now back soon.

Lee Hanson, who will paint a sign for the Legion Park across the street from the City Hall, asked about painting a sign on the building at the park. The council is looking into historical grants for that building and was not sure whether painting the building now was wise. They suggested a standalone sign.

The council then went into a closed session.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sept.16 at City Hall.