Byron busy balancing budgets

By Chris Johnson

News Correspondent

To many people the past holiday season has been described as the most wonderful time of the year. Holiday exchanges and greetings of well-wishes are a big part of the celebration. For various taxpayer-supported entities it’s also a great time of year. It’s the time of year to ask for money.

Property Tax Levies were filed to allow various districts to operate during the next fiscal year. For many, Tues. Dec. 27 was a day of celebration as information was filed with the State as required by statute. Work on budgets now takes a more important turn on the “to-do” list.

The Byron City Council is aware of the work ahead. They met on Wed. Jan. 4 to begin looking at the many projects lining up and assuring the funding is in place to accomplish the needed tasks. The citizen-transportation concerns will be addressed through action taken in Committee.

The City Council was brought up to date on how well the construction-season plans are moving forward. Discussion scheduled for the Dec. 21 Council Meeting was delayed through action taken by administrators. During the November, 2016 meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Tom Palmgren handled operations.

Following approval of the earlier sessions’ minutes, the Byron City Council moved into the Public Comment Section on the evening’s agenda. Limited action occurred as the process was allowed to expire. Aldermen approved moving forward with proceedings and towards the acceptance and payment of municipally-incurred expenses. Action was approved as required.

Information presented during the final City Council interaction in 2016 was also released in minutes available through the city of Byron’s website.

Prior to the regular City Council session, The Committee on Community Services was scheduled to gather, with opening statements made at 5:30 p.m. The Byron City Council Meeting was scheduled to follow, beginning no earlier than 6:30 p.m.

Updates on committee plans were to be released to Aldermen. Information on how well the plans are coming together on the 2017 Streets and Road Project was scheduled for discussion.

It is known much attention will be paid to this year’s Streets and Road Project in the capacity of flooding control. Dealing with the issues along Sumner Street and the drainage problems that surface is written in the construction-season’s appointment book in Byron this year.