WELCOME — The Welcome City Council held its Truth in Taxation meeting on Tuesday evening. Several people discussed the 7.67 percent levy increase which is down from the proposed 15 percent increase. This will be finalized by Dec. 16.

The City Clerk, Jodi Hemann, explained that the general fund was lower than last year but the capital fund was increased from last year mostly due to the referendum and the street project. The Welcome City Council meeting began after the TNT meeting.

Brian Rosburg presented a question about his demolition and use of the old Welcome school building. He has signed a $1 million performance bond instead of a $2 million surety bond and explained the difference. This would ask him to finish in 24 months. He plans to demolish all but the new gym and use that for his private storage. Access will be by Dugan Street and work will be done before a new street is made. He asked for an official letter that he had completed all forms and he can begin work on the property. The council agreed and asked the clerk to write up a letter describing what they approved at the meeting. A question about a conditional use permit was asked but was unnecessary since he is only one using the property and not charging anyone for storage.

Also at the meeting, two public comments/questions were brought up.

One was a question about snow removal not being done at the Scheff house. The public works apologized for the error. The resident was asked to call and remind the city workers to remove the snow if it happens again. Payment was not given for the removal by the resident.

Another question about the mailings about water was answered by the clerk. There is a Minnesota mandate to notify residents of two mailings, one for drinking water and one for service water. Since the amount of mailings was smaller, the price to notify by mail was less expensive than other formats.

In other business:

— The council approved of a transfer of funds from the capital fund to general fund to eliminate a funds deficit. This was money paid for the drainage issues done at the ball field site.

— The council approved a street project pay request from Bolton and Menk engineers for $51,000-plus. Derek Behrens, a representative for the engineers, reported that the street project went well, there are a few spring things to be done and a small amount of asphalt to be done.

— The council approved entering into a new contract with the Birkholz Law Firm since they were pleased with the work done by them last year.

— The council asked about a police commission meeting when the Chief of Police, Trevor Yochim presented his report. The date is not certain.

— The council reported that an EDA meeting will be on Dec. 8.

The Welcome City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 at City Hall.