The Polk County commissioners met on Tuesday in the Polk County Government Center leading up to the Truth in Taxation presentation and public hearing.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
The board was presented with two items from Environmental Services Director Jon Steiner, who sought approval. The board approved the sale authorization and used vehicles from Enterprise Fleet Services. “We’re running the used vehicles longer than we anticipate because the other ones aren’t drive-able yet,” said Steiner, “And I also have to report the mileage and make sure the commissioners are on board, and that’s where we’re at with the vehicles.”
Steiner was also seeking approval regarding the Steam Sales contract extension heading into 2024 and increasing the contract by 10%. The Environmental Services Department processes waste and burns the waste as fuel in the incinerators. They then pull the heat off, convert it into steam, and sell it to their three steam customers. “We’ve had issues because of natural gas price, which we base our sales off of,” said Steiner, “Natural gas prices has been so low, and our cost has been so high, and we put a floor in, and we thought that would fix it.”
Steiner explained that steam sales have not been up to standard since the pandemic, while their steam production cost continues to increase. The 10% increase in the contract with their customers is estimated to mitigate some of the production costs but won’t serve as a long-term solution. The board ultimately approved the contract extension.
TOBACCO LICENSING
The board also heard from Director of Property Records Sam Melbye, who presented the resolution to approve seven entities within Polk County tobacco licenses without jurisdictional authority. After reviewing the applications, the board ultimately agreed that each anonymous entity had met the criteria and approved the distribution of the tobacco license.
ADJUSTED BUDGET PRESENTATION
Polk County Administrator Chuck Whiting had two informational items to give to the board. Whiting showed the commissioners all the scheduled meeting dates heading into next year. According to the 2024 schedule, the Polk County Commissioners will continue to meet every first, third, and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Whiting also showed the board the budget presentation and discussed if anything had changed. “Everything is the same as it was two weeks ago, and they (commissioners) seem to be pretty satisfied with the 2.5% levy increase,” said Whiting, “As for now, the budget will stay as it stands.” The 2.5% levy increase equates to an approximate $672,000 boost from the 2023 budget.
The Truth in Taxation presentation and public hearing took place on Tuesday evening in the Polk County Government Center, and with virtually no questions or challenges to the levy from Polk County residents, Whiting believes this levy will likely be passed during the following commissioners meeting on Tuesday, December 19.
