Corey Bennett

The public hearing and adopted budget for the City of Merrill in 2026 includes an overview of the General Fund, a levy summary, and details on General Fund revenues and expenses. It covers tax revenues, special assessments, intergovernmental revenues, licenses and permits, public charges for services, miscellaneous revenues, and other financing sources. Expenditure discussions include general government, public safety, public works, transportation, sanitation, health and human services, culture, recreation, education, conservation and development, capital outlay, and transfers. The budget also outlines compensation and payroll budget, with salary splits across various funds.

Summary of the proposed 2026 Budget including revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for various funds such as the General Fund, Special Revenue, Debt Service Fund, Capital Projects Funds, and Enterprise/Utilities.

The council meeting included honoring police and fire department employees for their years of service, accepting a donation from the Lincoln County Fair Board for fairground improvements, and receiving an update on the 2024 room tax. The council approved a beer license for the Eagles Club and the Merrill Special Olympics. The mayor's communications reminded everyone of library programs, the Memorial Day service, the citywide garage sale, and the start of construction on State Street and Water Street.

The City Council meeting included discussions on the revenue and expense report for January and February 2025, changes of agents for MNC Entertainment and Quick Trip, and a temporary alcohol beverage license for the Youth Hockey Association. A maintenance contract was considered, along with adding funeral leave for grandparents-in-law and great-grandparents to the city policy. The council approved awarding a contract for the State Street reconstruction project. Resolutions were presented honoring retiring employees. Announcements were made regarding digital literacy day, availability of state park passes and notary services at the library, upcoming events, early voting, and congratulating the Merl girls bowling team.

The council discussed and approved the 2024 budget, lifted the hiring freeze for a street department position, and recognized Joel Weckworth for his 15 years of service. They introduced the new Finance Director, Emily Lee, and approved the sale of city-owned property. A conditional use permit was approved for a communications tower, and changes were made for the SNS bar agent. Rate changes for sewer service were approved, and Nathan Meyer was appointed to the Tourism Committee. Upcoming events such as the Tour of Lights, Christmas parade, and a food truck event were announced.