The Guttenberg city council approved the budget for the coming fiscal year when it met in special session on March 23.  The fiscal year begins on July 1.

There were no comments from the public at a hearing on the proposed property tax levy held prior to the budget vote.

In other business, the council approved the second reading of an ordinance  that would change the zoning of the former Masonic Temple building from residential to commercial. Prior to the vote, a letter was read from developer Isaac Sweet regarding questions raised by Joan Simon, who spoke at the previous council meeting. Property owner Cathy Hines presented concerns about noise and parking. The proposed ordinance change must pass one more reading before it receives final approval.

Police Chief Derek Chambers received council permission to purchase a vehicle through online auction, which he said could be substantially less expensive than ordering new at state bid amounts. The council directed that the vehicle auction price not exceed $85,000 for total expenses.

A pay request for $16,000 was approved for electrical updates for flood control pumps.

The bid from Logan’s Pool Painting to paint and caulk the pool this fall was accepted by the council.

The council okayed a sewer adjustment request for Tony Lake.

The council went into closed session to discuss the sale of city property. When returning to open session, the council okayed the sale of a city parcel of land to Dan Parker contingent on payment of $1,000 earnest money to the city for property vacation and disposal processes.  Of that amount there will be deducted $250 administrative fees, all attorney fees and sale of property for $170. Any money left would be refunded. Parker will obtain the survey and record the quit claim deed once vacation and disposal process has been completed.