WELCOME — At the Welcome City Council meeting on Tuesday evening. The 2026 budget was discussed, and the council approved the proposed 7.66 percent budget to be sent to the county. The clerk reminded them that this percentage amount could be lowered but not raised. The council praised the clerk for reducing the amount as much as she did, and said it was ‘bare bones’ now. The clerk explained some of the reductions made, such as the fire department and police department reductions.

The debt service has to be paid and is not subject to reduction due to the new road project in the city. There may be some legal and capital outlay later.

The Truth in Taxation meeting was set for Dec. 2 before the regular council meeting that day.

The cemetery and the circle at the cemetery were discussed. It was approved that the city employees would work there. The maintenance, such as stones having grass on them from mowing, the trim on the building needing repair, trimming trees up to 4 to 6 feet and mowing under them, getting rid of weeds and watering the circle, and planting shrubs or hostas in the circle, was mentioned as the jobs the employees would do. It was suggested that the cemetery board be invited to gather and make suggestions and possibly help.

Bolton and Menk Engineer Travis Winter reported that progress for the road project is going well, depending on the weather forecast. The curb and gutters in Mill Street will be done soon. Progress is going to the north part of town, with Kruse Street sewer and water in the works. There have been lots of tile lines contributing to the sewer problems. There was a misunderstanding between the residents and the contractor that was resolved immediately. He hopes any future problems can be resolved promptly.

Police Chief Trevor Yochim reported a police commission meeting last week and the lower budget was approved. A request from Trimont to be part of the Welcome/Sherburn Police Department was discussed. There are not enough officers to fulfill that request. Police officers are usually being recruited for the department.

In other business:

— Martin County West (MCW) would like to help the community with their Give Back to the Community program planned by Mrs. Wohlhuter at MCW. A few suggestions were offered by the council. They hope to do this next year with more time to find residents who need help.

— The mayor cited a property on Kruse Street that will go into tax forfeiture sale and suggested the city purchase it and demolish it like the other one, so that the property may be sold or at least cleaned up. They would apply for a grant to help with the demolition expenses. The council approved checking into this property. Three building permits were approved.

— The council approved purchasing the extra border that was short so the city employees could finish installing the borders at the park. They approved saving the animals on the park’s equipment from the park to sell as antiques.

— A request about where to plant a tree purchased in memory of long-time City Clerk Deb Hansen was answered. They will plant it in the Legion Park, east of the building.

— A question about food trucks in Welcome was answered. They may be in Welcome if they have a license and insurance provided.

— The water heater at City Hall needs replacement, and the council approved purchasing a new water heater from FREA for $589 and $75 additional for hauling the old one away. The council went into closed session in the matter of Westside Depot LLC vs the City.

The Welcome City Council’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at City Hall.