By Sara StrongThe budget issue that prompted the most calls to Luverne councilmen wasn’t about Chamber of Commerce cuts or even employee layoffs. … It was the tree dump.At their meeting tonight, Luverne City Council members will consider reopening the tree dump and compost area for next year’s budget. Tentative plans call for the service to be open four hours on Saturday and two hours on Wednesday. Cost would be $2,500.The city of Luverne is also considering some enhancements in its revenue for 2004 that will total $171,700.oIf added, a hydrant rental fee would bring in an additional $56,200. Cost to the average household will be $24, because they are hooked up to a three-quarter inch meter. Fees will increase for 1- to 6-inch lines.Staff is recommending that the City Council adopt the hydrant fee effective Jan. 1.oImplementation of a street light fee would bring in an additional $75,500. Cost to the average household would be $24 per year, and $96 per year for commercial and institutional accounts.Even if the council approves the new fee, it would cover just 62 percent of the annual costs associated with street lights. Non-taxable properties such as churches and non-profit agencies don’t contribute to the general levy, which funds things such as fire protection and street lights.The council will discuss whether the hydrant fee and extra street light utility charge will more fairly distribute those costs among all who use them.Another increase in city revenues are building permit fees, which will increase by $40,000 because of the new hospital and clinic construction project.The City Council is also considering adding items to its budget, which were originally cut in 2003.They are: Chamber of Commerce, $9,500; part-time help in street department, $3,500; part time help in parks, $3,500; funding for management of Ice Arena, $4,000; funds for mower, $7,000, funds for future park improvements, $6,000; funds for Southwest Minnesota Foundation, $5,000; and reinstate accountant position, $5,400; chemicals and supplies for weed control in ponds, $400, and increase funding for insect control, $1,000.
