By Kris Goracke

Reporter

Kari Steinbeisser from Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing presented the City of Starbuck’s 2022 audit at the March 13 city council meeting. Highlights of the audit included: 

•General Fund Cash and Investment Balances:

(2022) $1,702,150 compare to (2021) $1,622,083

•General Fund Receipts – Collected property taxes:

 (2022) $605,793 compared to (2021) $593,853

•General Fund Disbursements – General government and public safety costs General Government:

 (2022) $312,067 compared to (2021) $299,673

Public Safety 

(2022) $556,103 compared to (2021) $514,177

•Future Debt Services Bonded Debt – this does not include two bonds:

 (2023) $427,758 compared to (2024) $427,377 

“Overall, the fund balance is healthy,” stated Steinbeisser. “We recommend cities be in the 35 to 50% reserve fund, and Starbuck is over the 55%. Currently, the city has 10 months in reserve. The general government fund disbursements reflect salary increases, retention bonuses, and the new police squad.” he said.

Next before the council was Larry VanHout from Widseth, giving a brief update on the Starbuck Marina Lighthouse. “We have been informed we need a soil test completed for the new location.” No other discussion was held regarding the lighthouse.

Starbuck Chief of Police Mitch Johnsrud presented the police annual report. The report gave an overview of the 2022 police activity. Some of the highlights were:

•The city averages 20 crashes per year but had 30 crashes in 2022.

•The Starbuck Police Department had 219 total traffic stops and gave out warnings on 77% of the traffic stops.

•The department made five DWI arrests in 2022 compared to the yearly average of 14.

At the February city council meeting, Starbuck residents Tom and Judy Cory expressed concern about a fence line, stating their neighbors’ fences were “so close to the alley it is making getting in and out of our garage very difficult.” At that time, the mayor said the matter was for the planning and zoning committee to review. After the review, it was found the fences complied, so no action was taken.

The council approved Resolution #2023-07 to contract with a council member for services. The resolution states the city’s desire to purchase services from Precision Auto Body and Frame, owned by council member Chris Taffe. According to the resolution, it is determined that the price for service is competitive or lower than elsewhere. This resolution is to follow Minnesota Statue 471.88.

In new business, the council:

•Approved the inter-fund transfers for the Starbuck Fire Department of $29,700 and the 2023 City of Starbuck Fire contract payment of $64,063.99.

•Approved resolution#2023-06 designating the 2023 precinct and polling place for the City of Starbuck.