Catherine Bergman was named Mayor Pro-Tem for the city of Stratford at a meeting last Monday evening,January 13th. Bergman was authorized to sign checks in the Mayor’s absence. Brian Ouverson was named board member with Chase Haman as alternate for representation from Stratford for the North Central Iowa Regional Solid Waste Agency. Terry Bryan was selected as the Stratford representative with Catherine Bergman as alternate to the Ioway Creek Watershed Management Authority. The following were selected to serve on the Stratford Tree Board Committee. They are Catherine Bergman, Clark Conklin, Suzanne Carlson, Trevor Carlson, Julie Ehresmann, Amber Gamble and Darrell Young. The council approved the appointment of Brian Ouverson as a board member with Grant Carlson, Dan Ostrem and Gary Johnson as the alternates to serve on the Hamilton County Emergency Management Board. Brian Ouverson was selected as the board member with Mitch Peterson and Dan Ostrem as alternates to the Webster County Emergency Management board. Grant Carlson was named board member and Brian Ouverson and Dan Ostrem as alternates for the Hamilton County E-911 Service Board from Stratford.
There was a review of the current water and sewer rates for the city of Stratford. Stratford City Manager Kim Leeds reviewed the projected revenues and expenses for the City’s Municipal water and sewer funds. It was explained that the ideal carryover balance should be twenty-five percent of operating and maintenance budget. Currently water and sewer rates are projected to carryover five to seven percent of the current budget. It was suggested that the council move forward with a five percent increase in water and sewer rates. Discussions were held concerning additional fees for water and sewer of $50.00 for door notices, $70.00 disconnection fees and $95.00 for reconnection during regular business hours and $100.00 will be added for after regular working hours.Stratford council members approved a rate increase for water and sewer utility rates at five percent. Residents and business owners in Stratford will be notified as to when the rates will take effect.
In other matters at Monday’s council meeting,they approved the Fire and Rescue department budgets for 2025-26 however they voted not to approve a 3 percent increase for the 2025-26 Stratford Library budget. A resolution to establish a policy for snow removal at South Marion and Oakwood cemeteries was approved.