Sheldon, Iowa — For several years, the City of Sheldon has not had funds available to keep up with the need for a number of major street improvements.
Even though there is a considerable balance in the City’s Tax Increment Financing account, cities are prohibited by law from spending TIF funds for items like street projects. However, the TIF money can be used to pay off debt. As a result, at this Wednesday’s (June 3rd) Council meeting, a date will be set for a public hearing on a proposal to authorize short-term bonding up to 2.5 million dollars in General Obligation Capital Loan notes, which would be paid off with TIF funds. There are seven street segments that are in the street improvement plan, but it is uncertain how many of the projects can completed with bond funds until all the bids come in. It is expected that a hearing will be set for July 1st.
In other business, the council will hold the second reading on rezoning the former Sunset Motel property and the existing adjacent mobile home park, and discuss an amended residency policy for City employees. The City of Sheldon has a longstanding requirement that public works and public safety employees live in the City Limits. With the current difficulty of recruitment and retention, many cities have been relaxing similar policies. The council will consider several options including a possible two-mile limit, or a requirement that these employees live in the Sheldon School District.
The council is also expected to get an update from the O’Brien County EMA, as well as on the re-opening of the Sheldon Community Services Center, and other City facilities.
Wednesday’s Council meeting begins at 4:30 p.m.
