Balancing the books

Year-end housekeeping kept the Carrington City Council busy at their meeting last week.

During the meeting held on Monday, January 8, the board approved year-end transfers of funds to balance out accounts.

Carrington Mayor Tom Erdmann reported that the general fund reserve will now hold $870,000; the capital fund $917,000 and the year end balance for the general fund is $408,330.

• The council also approved moving $1,000,000.00 from their Bremer Bank checking account to the Bank Forward ICS account because Bremer Bank only offered ¾ percent interest and Bank Forward offered 2.79 percent interest.

• Erdmann reported that Legacy highway distribution earning were received from the state in the amount of $42,585.23 for 2023.

Committee Reports

FIRE:

• Carrington Fire Chief Ken Wangen reported that there were 41 calls for service in 2023.

FINANCE & LEGAL:

• Erdmann reported that the 2018/2019 audits were approved by the state.

CCEDC:

• It was reported that they applied for the Otto Bremer Grant to help with the Rainbow Gardens project, but that venture was unsuccessful.

• Director Laurie Dietz reported she is seeking funds to help assist the Garden Gate with their updates to the apartments above the store as well as funds for a housing study.

CVB:

• The drawing for $100 in Carrington Cash with the Elf promotion was given away and the winner was Miranda Beth Sherman.

• The CVB will be promoting Staycation and Romantic Getaway.

• The CVB is hoping for other grants to help with the Rainbow Gardens project.

AIRPORT:

• Carrington Public Works Director Jason Wolsky reported that they are doing some clean up on the Deterding property.

• The new fuelmaster system has been installed.

• They will be working on the pilots lounge door and purchasing new furniture for the pilots lounge.

LIBRARY:

• Carrington City Library Director Michele Seil reported that there are two grants available from the state. One is a Public Spaces Grant which would help to buy some furniture and window covering, and two is a security grant for security cameras in the library, community room and outside.

• Raffle tickets are for sale with the drawing to be held in February.

POLICE:

• Carrington Chief of Police Chris Bittmann reported that he is doing research on a new patrol car.

PUBLIC WORKS:

• Councilman Troy Roundy reported that the west-side water expansion project has been completed and is bring used.

• There will be rural water training on January 17 at the fire hall.

• The ice storm on December 26 and 27 damaged a water plant generator and it would not run high service pumps. They also found mice damage.

• The holes in the west wall of the armory have been repaired and they are looking at fixing the steps.

• The new tractor has arrived in Devils Lake.

BUILDING OFFICIAL:

• There was one building permit issued in December.