The Village Council covered a packed agenda at its most recent meeting, addressing topics ranging from public safety partnerships to infrastructure investments and fiscal management.
Council members discussed progress on a proposed law enforcement agreement with Luce County Sheriff Eric Gravell, which would expand local policing under a shared-services model. Gravell said the County Board reacted favorably to the plan, and a revised contract reflecting feedback from the village’s infrastructure committee will go before the council for a vote in November. The partnership would allow deputies to enforce select village ordinances, keeping related fine revenue within the community.
The council also corrected an administrative oversight involving sewer billing. Customers were billed at 2024 rates through most of this year, resulting in roughly $14,000 in lost revenue. The council voted to implement the correct 2025 rate of $39.55 per Residential Equivalent Unit effective Sept. 15, with updated amounts appearing on October bills. No back charges will be applied.
Members additionally advanced plans to pursue a $3.5 million loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to add a third sludge storage tank at the wastewater treatment plant. The project would improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and prevent potential permit violations. A public hearing on the proposal will be held November 10th at 6 p.m.
The council approved the sale of surplus diesel fuel for about $18,000, closed out the Handy Street demolition project, and acknowledged the resolution of a small claims case through mediation. The village also plans to replace 11 computers incompatible with Windows 11 at an estimated cost of $15,000. Fall leaf pickup, bulk item collection, and Halloween patrol hours were also announced.
