Council approves 2026 budget

NEW LONDON – After the public hearing closed with no comments made, New London’s Common Council approved the 2026 budget at its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
The debt service levy was approved in the amount of $1,106,288. The general fund levy, in the amount of $3,089,640, was approved, as well. These levies add up to $4,195,928.
In addition to the city budget, the council approved the wheel tax fund budget, 8-1. The estimated revenue of this fund for 2026 is $130,500. The potential projects for next year, with dates to be determined, are the Spurr Road culvert in the Town of Maple Creek and the North Water Street Bridge.

Sewer rates
The council approved the second reading of the ordinance to change sewer user rates.

The ordinance states, “The base monthly fixed charge for all users shall be based on meter size.”
The list below shows the new fixed rates based on meter size:
¾” - from $8.03 to $24.93
1” - from $40.15 to $57.05
1 ½” - from $80.31 to $97.21
2” - from $120.46 to $137.36
3” - from $160.62 to $177.52
4” - from $200.77 to $217.67
6” - from $281.08 to $297.98
8” - from $361.39 to $378.29
10” - from $441.70 to $458.60
The ordinance continues, “Waste ≤ 2000 mg/l of TSS shall be processed at a volume charge of $8.75 to $9.25 per 1,000 gallons. Waste > 2000 mg/l of TSS shall be processed at a charge of $20.00 to $30.00 per 1,000 gallons. Licensed holding tank and septic tank hauler Annual Permit fee shall be $15.00 to $120.00. Waste 10,000 mg/I TSS shall be processed at a charge of $30 to $150.00 per 1,000 gallons. Portable toilet waste shall be processed at a charge of $45.00 per 1,000 gallons.
The new user rates will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
The council also approved the 2026 sewerage fund budget, as presented. A public hearing was held earlier in the meeting, but no comments were made.
In addition to the budget, the council approved the Johnson Block & Company sewer rate study agreement. The estimated cost of these services is between $8,000 and $10,000.

Other business
The council approved adding stop signs at the following intersections: Giselle Drive at Orville Drive, Giselle Drive at Maple Creek Lane, Maple Creek Lane at Orville Drive, Frederick Farm Lane at Orville Drive, and Orville Drive at Hintzke Road.
A lighting plan for Giselle Drive and Berit Circle and at the intersection of Orville Drive and Maple Creek Lane was also approved.
A resolution for the final plat for the Irish Meadows subdivision, subject to approval of the developer’s agreement, was approved.
During the meeting, it was shared that the deadline for submitting nomination papers for the spring election is Tuesday, January 6. Incumbents not seeking reelection will need to file their notification of noncandidacy by December 26. Failure to submit the notification extends the nomination deadline for that office by 72 hours. The mayor and five council members are up for election this spring.

The Public Works Director shared that the Oshkosh Street barricades came down on Friday, Nov. 21 and opened for use.