Sheldon, Iowa — Sheldon needs major changes in its wastewater treatment facility to meet new Government standards, but the question of how they’ll be paid for is still unanswered. Both Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, and increased sewer rates are being considered as possibilities. The City Council is waiting for more research data, but did hold a discussion on the matter at Wednesday’s meeting. A rough estimate indicates that if TIF is not used, it would take a one hundred twenty-five percent increase in sewer rates to pay for the debt. If fifty percent of the debt is covered by TIF, it still would result in a seventy-five percent increase in sewer rates. Councilman Pete Hamill mentioned that there is a philosophy that any city utility should pay its own way. Greg Geels responded with the feeling that this sort of project is the reason for having TIF dollars available. Everyone agreed that more information is needed to be considered at a later meeting.
The figures presented so far were based on residential customer use only. Council members asked for more information on how the picture would change if Commercial waste water users were asked to share some of the burden. This will surely bring up the debate on whether rates for commercial users can be increased, while still recognizing the value of these users to the community. Council members also question just how much TIF money should be used for this waste water facility. TIF is a key incentive in attracting future development and there is concern that if money is used from the TIF fund, it might hamper development efforts.
In other business the Council passed the proposed fireworks ordinance on to its second reading. That will be on the agenda for the June 21st meeting. At that time the Council could waive the third reading and pass the ordinance which would go into effect when published the following Saturday. City Attorney Micah Schreurs reported that the ordinance reflects input from the Council as well as the content of ordinances from two other communities. He says the Sheldon ordinance is more restrictive than the Iowa Code. The Sheldon ordinance would allow the use of consumer fireworks June 20th through July 5th and December 17th through January 2nd of the next year. The ordinance would allow the use of fireworks only from 12 noon to 10 p.m. with two exceptions. On the evening of July 4th they could be used until eleven p.m. and New Years Eve until 12:30 a.m. on January 1st. Use of fireworks would be allowed only on the users real property or the real property of a person who has consented to their use. No fireworks use will be allowed on public property. Anyone who is less than 18 years of age will only be allowed to explode fireworks if they are under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian. The ordinance also states that a person shall not possess, use or explode fireworks in a reckless manner, or while they are under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance.
The entire Fireworks Ordinance can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.
