--- ## title: BELLE PLAINE CITY COUNCIL ## author: Renee Eyrich date: D:20260820160555-05'00' --- ## BELLE PLAINE FINANCE WAYS AND MEANS ## AUGUST 6, 2026 ## 1. CALL TO ORDER The Finance Ways and Means Committee met at 3:02 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2026 in the council chambers of City Hall, 218 North Meridian Street, Belle Plaine, MN. Mayor Evans called the meeting to order with Councilmember Hartmann, Theas, and Otto present. Councilmember Stacey was absent. Also present were Finance Director Jirik, City Administrator Meyer, Public Works Superintendent Otto, Fire Chief Otto and Police Sergeant Vycital. ## 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA MOTION by Councilmember Hartmann, second by Councilmember Theas, to approve the Agenda as presented. ALL VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. 3.1. Finance Ways and Means Minutes of July 20, 2026. MOTION by Councilmember Hartmann, second by Councilmember Theas, to approve the Finance Ways and Means Minute of July 20, 2026. ALL VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ## 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4.1. Overview – Preliminary Budget. Finance Director Jirik reviewed the Preliminary Budget noting the many unknown variables of fiscal disparity and LGA. Jirik noted the Preliminary Budget shows a tax rate increase of 3.89% resulting on a median valued home with no change in value a tax rate increase of $120.89. Jirik also noted for 1480 homes show a slight value decrease and 648 homes show a slight value increase. Jirik reviewed the summary of changes proposed by department. The Council held a lengthy discussion, items discussed included:  School District Referendum increase.  Staff wages and benefits including how COLA and steps are calculated.  Fuel cost increases, and how increases are determined.  Overtime.  Fire Department Project remaining bond funds and how to disperse those funds to offset the Fire Department bond. The Council requested additional information from staff for the next Finance Ways and Means meeting including:  Capital Funds what has been accumulated/saved per department.  All Department Heads put a priority level on each item on their Capital list (1 – Absolutely need, 2 – can wait, 3 – nice to have, will need in the future) It was the consensus of the Council to hold the next Finance Ways and Means meeting as a Budget meeting on Monday, August 17 at 3:00 PM. Finance Director Jirik let the Council know the Sewer and Water Rate Study is underway and will come back in September for discussion. ## 5. NEXT MEETING. 1. Monday, August 17 at 3:00 PM. ## 6. ADJOURN. ## Finance Ways and Means August 6, 2026 APPROVED Page 2 of 2 MOTION by Councilmember Theas, second by Councilmember Hartmann, to adjourn the meeting at 4:24 ## PM. ALL VOTED AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ## Respectfully Submitted, ## Renee Eyrich ## Recording Secretary