Four separate Public Hearings will be held during Wednesday’s 5:30-p.m. meeting of the Atlantic City Council. The first is a hearing on Authorizing an application to the USDA/Rural Development for financial assistance to purchase new Atlantic Public Library computers, computer desks, related equipment, and to help finance new flooring in the Library, along with painting of the upper level. Director Michelle Andersen said the Library is eligible for 35% of the total project cost, with a total of five-years to expend the funds. Combined, both projects are expected to cost $80,970, with grants and other proceeds available, amounting to $69,440. The Library Gift Fund is likely to pick up the balance of the bill.

The second Public Hearing is with regard to the FY2022 Maximum Property Tax Dollars for Certain Levies, as previously explained in our reports. City Administrator John Lund has said the published levy shows an increase of 2.87%, but in reality, it is an increase of 2.59% on properties where no changes in assessed or taxable value have occurred, because the $4.11 debt levy is hidden in the published notice.

The third Public Hearing pertains to a proposal to enter into a General Obligation Refunding Loan Agreement (as previously explained, while the fourth hearing is on a proposal to enter into a solid waste management loan agreement, with regard to the 28-E organization the operates the Cass County Landfill. The Landfill has instituted a per-capita fee of $12 per resident, to be assessed annually, and payable by the City in four equal payments during the course of the fiscal year.

Each hearing will be followed by a Resolution taking action on the respective matters presented. In addition, the Atlantic City Council will act on a Resolution adopting the preliminary FY22 Budget and setting the date for a Public Hearing on adopting the Budget, and approving the budget, as March 17, 2021. The budget says the City’s combined property tax levy will remain at the level set in the FY2021 Budget, and there are no increases to existing fees, or utility rates.

Another Resolution sets March 17th as the date to hold a Public Hearing on, and adopting, the proposed FY22 10-year CIP (Capital Improvement Plan). And, the Council will act on an Order setting April 7, 2021, as the bid date and public hearing for the Atlantic Animal Shelter building addition. The original bids for the project came in well over the engineer’s estimate. The Lorene Eppelsheimer estate has gifted the City $135,000 to benefit animals at the shelter, with the intention of increase the number of cat cages and moving them to a separate area away from the dogs. It will also have a proper food storage area, an exam and grooming table, in addition to a more efficient water heater.

During this Wednesday’s meeting, the Council will act on a Resolution Authorizing the bids for the animal shelter addition. In other business, they will act on reappointing Melissa Ihnen to the Board of Adjustment as well as the Planning & Zoning Commission. They are also expected to reappoint Dave Sturm and Ted Robinson, to the Utility Board of Trustees