Finance of the Whole Committee — Minutes

CITY OF MAYVILLE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE WHOLE MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2026 6:00 PM 15 S SCHOOL ST 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 06:00 PM by Ald. Bob Smith, with the following roll call: Present: Mayor Rob Boelk, Ald. Bob Smith, Ald. Tony DeBaker, Ald. Molly Henkel, Ald. Mary Winter, Ald. Jason Buske, Ald. Kim Olson. Excused: None. Absent: None. Staff present: Comptroller/Treasurer Darlene Smith, Library Director Bradford Ney, Utilities Director Courtney Steger, Utilities Accountant Gwen Owens, and Clerk/Executive Assistant Anastasia Gonstead. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. 4. DISCUSS WITH POSSIBLE ACTION 4.1. Review of, and Recommendations for, the Proposed 2027 Library Budget Clerk/Executive Assistant Gonstead provided an overview of the notation on the proposed Library budget enclosed in the packet, clarifying that the budget presented is not the same one recommended by the Mayor. That the Mayor proposed levy support of $289,000 directly to the library with an additional $30,000 placed in a capital project fund for future library repairs and maintenance. An explanation was also provided that the Library Board has spending authority once funds are appropriated from the City. Ald. Smith asked Director Ney if he was in agreement with the Mayor's proposed budget and Director Ney indicated he was not. Mayor Boelk explained that the amount levied to the library last year was $319,000. There was a $35,698 carryover from 2025 into 2026. The proposed budget from the Library Board would be $376,890 from the levy, making just over an 18% increase. The Committee asked questions of Director Ney to clarify the increases. Director Ney explained with how new the library is, there is still some equalization to be done on contracts and explained many of the contracted services and the costs. Director Ney asked questions of the Mayor to clarify how the future repair fund would operate. Mayor Boelk provided clarifying information, explaining that the library is ultimately a City-owned building. The motion to defer for later discussion and action the entirety of the proposed 2027 library budget was made by Ald. Olson and seconded by Ald. Winter. A roll vote was taken. Ayes: Ald. DeBaker, Ald. Smith, Ald. Henkel, Ald. Winter, Ald. Buske, Ald. Olson Nays: None Vote Count: 6 - 0 Motion has Passed. The Committee requested Cameron Sawyer with Elevated Municipal Consulting be available at the next meeting to help clarify questions with the budget. 4.2. Review of, and Recommendations for, the Proposed 2027 Utilities Department Budget Director Steger was asked if this proposed budget is the Mayor's proposed budget for the Utilities Department. She indicated it was not, adding that her department got these numbers from our budget assister the Tuesday prior to this meeting. She explained that this proposed budget does have some consolidation of payroll account numbers, as it was far too broken out and causes issues during the payroll process. Questions were asked regarding wages. Director Steger clarified that during initial budget meetings, she had indicated staff are below scale, but all that is being brought forward today would be a 6.09% increase for the three fully certified operators. She believes there may have been some miscommunication during the initial wage discussions. Conversation and questions continued among the elected officials and Director Steger regarding going outside the 3.5% cost of living increase all other City employees are receiving as well as the recently approved full-time employee position grade scale, which will be included in the updated handbook. Clerk/Executive Assistant Gonstead notified the Committee that she and Comptroller/Treasurer Smith are working on an accompanying wage scale/matrix for consideration, noting it would be unlikely to adopt in the 2027 budget process, but has the potential to be presented later this year or early next year for adoption and then it can be used in the 2028 budgeting process. Director Steger expressed support for this option as well. There were additional questions regarding current department operations, age of some infrastructure items, and operating expenses. There was a consensus that, with the current proposed budget set up, was difficult to determine the operating expenses outside of wages. The motion to approve a 3.5% cost of living adjustment for employee wages and defer operational expenses for further discussion and action was made by Ald. Olson and seconded by Ald. Henkel. There was further discussion, asking clarifying questions on the wages. A roll vote was taken. Ayes: Ald. DeBaker, Ald. Smith, Ald. Henkel, Ald. Winter, Ald. Buske, Ald. Olson. Nays: None. Vote Count: 6 - 0 Motion has Passed. 5. ADJOURNMENT The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ald. Henkel and seconded by Ald. Smith. Ayes: Ald. DeBaker, Ald. Smith, Ald. Henkel, Ald. Winter, Ald. Buske, Ald. Olson Nays: None Vote Count: 6 - 0 Motion has Passed. The Finance of the Whole Committee meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM. Respectfully submitted by Anastasia Gonstead - Clerk/Executive Assistant