TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR

Steve Hass, Merrill’s new Mayor, convened a Committee of the Whole meeting for the newly-organized Merrill City Council on Friday, May 6, 2022. The meeting was an orientation meeting and training session, during which Council President Paul Russell presented on the Nine Tools of Civility and City Attorney Tom Heyden outlined legal matters relative to the Council including walking quorums, the use of electronic communications, and the open records laws. Heyden also outlined the duties, responsibilities, and powers of the City Council and City Committees, Boards, and Commissions as compared to those of the Mayor, City Administrator, and Department Heads. He said the roles of each and the process of local government are not always understood by the general public.

Procedures for lawns, weeds, and snow removal and Street and Weed Commissioner procedures were also outlined, and City Building Inspector Darin Pagel presented information related to property conditions and demolitions in the City, sparking dialogue focused on acquiring properties while there is still time to refurbish them and the challenges of doing that in a timely manner, which will require cooperation from the County.

A program explaining the complex issue of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Districts (TID’s) was presented, along with information outlining the City’s current financial position, including bond rating and debt, as well as future borrowing.

The meeting concluded with a presentation and discussion of the preliminary budget strategy for 2023 by Finance Director Kathy Unertl.

During the meeting, Hass said the Council and City officials are “working together for the better of the community, and I hope everybody takes that to heart.”

Hass said he will be in the office at Merrill City Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. He is already embracing an active roll in directing City communications, attending community and Chamber meetings, and getting out into the business community to represent the City of Merrill.