SHERBURN — On Monday, the Sherburn City Council accepted, with regrets, the resignation of Mayor Schuman. It was effective Dec. 16.

During the council meeting on Monday, there was also a public hearing concerning the financial status of the Sherburn Municipal Liquor Store. This was held because it was required by law since the liquor store has had operations with net losses for three years.

Sherburn’s store was one of quite a few reported by the auditor’s office. The clerk and the liquor store manager explained the circumstances that lead to losses for those years and the operations revenues and expenses for this year so far (up to Nov. 30). Reports from the office of the State Auditor were available to those present.

The revenue is entered on a monthly basis–not a daily basis–in the software. There have been several large repair and maintenance expenses over the three years. In 2024 alone, the expenses were over $20,000 and there were significant payouts for salaries in 2023. The consistent staffing lately has greatly improved the situation over last year and the revenue is looking more promising. The council and the manager discussed several aspects of the status reports. The maintenance and repair, utilities and salaries are taken out of the revenue and the manager can not be liable.

So far, there have been quarterly reports to the manager and the suggestion of having monthly reports was agreed about. Food sales have significantly increased and with the new school that should increase from construction workers and later from students. The pricing was made current. There was a suggestion that the manager attend some food vendor shows and should add some training with the software to get the reports she needs.

Remarks by the council were, “No one wants to close the liquor store,” and ” It has changed from a year ago to much better.” The council thanked those participating.

The public hearing was closed and the council meeting began.

The council discussed the Sherburn Cemetery Association proposal and approved the proposed plan. A meeting was held Dec. 7 and the proposal was discussed there. Quite a few of the actions to be done by the association were lately done by city staff. The permanent records will be housed at city hall and will be available to the association’s board members. A pamphlet explaining the plots cost and maintenance etc. has been made for residents to explain all the information. The deed has also been recorded.

In other business:

— The council approved adding Lisa Lange to the list of authorized signers for the Temperance Lake Ridge account. Twenty-seven thousand dollars was transferred from the general fund to the fire department equipment fund under the township expenses.

— The final approval for the 2026 budget was given with the increase of 5 percent for next year.

— The council went into closed session regarding a legal matter with Cornerstone Management Company.

The next meeting of the Sherburn City Council will be at 5 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2026, at city hall.