Ellendale council proposes new tax levy

The city of Ellendale held their city council meeting on Thursday, Dec. 11. There was a truth in taxation public hearing meeting held before the city council meeting on Dec. 11 for public comment on the levy. There will be a property tax levy increase of 7.10 percent over the 2025 property tax levy. The proposed tax levy for 2026 is $581,321.75. Unpaid utility charges are $19,445, with fees of $22,512.08. The 2025 appropriation for the Fire Relief Association in the amount of $5,000 was also approved.

 

Donations from the Hellands to the Fire Department, and from Dwayne and Lois Addison, also to the Fire Department, were greatly appreciated by the council and all firemen.  

For fire, the HVAC guys installed furnaces in the new fire hall and noticed there are no fans. The fans are 96 inches long and are needed to circulate heat in the room. The repairs on the rescue vehicle are complete, including both the fuel leak and a bad sensor. The red LED lights on the back have also been repaired. The new fire recruit from New Richland is working out, another who moved to Ellendale from out of town did not pass the background check. In spite of a great relationship between the fire department and ambulance, there is not enough space in the new firehall for the ambulance. Rick Johnson was present on behalf of Fire Department Relief Association; he would like to increase the pension amount for the firefighters from $500 to $1,000 and would like all Ellendale firefighters to be eligible for this on Jan. 1 of 2026.

 

Theile Trucking has been contracted for up to $3,000 for plowing any snow over 4 inches in Ellendale. The Thompson Sanitation contract has been reviewed for a 6-year period with new either 65- or 95-gallon trash bins included. The sanitation contract has yearly cost increases.

 

A complaint has been served to 8th Ave East for yard violation. An Administrative Citation on 6th Ave has also been served.

 

The council approved the new paid leave policy for city employees. One council member, concerned with fraud, suggested a yearly review of the policy be written into the policy itself.

 

For public comment Jo Lehrberg wanted to acknowledge the volunteers who make Ellendale a great place to live, in particular the Community Foundation of Ellendale, the Lions Club, and the Ellendale Area Community Action. Mayor Groth concluded, “Josh did such a nice job with those Christmas decorations, we should have him do them every year.” Charlie said, “I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” Joe said, “Merry Christmas.”