The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.

The Council approved the third reading to amend an ordinance to increase water rates by five percent. Council member Chad Sloan voiced concerns that were brought to him by residents that the increase would be a burden on some individuals due to high tax rates and wanting a break by not having a water increase for one year. Sloan also asked about adjusting current practices for water treatment and other materials to reduce costs. The main thought from City Administrator Scott Peterson was trying to be proactive now with smaller increments knowing that the water plant will need to be upgraded in about ten years. The Council approved the final reading 4-1, with Sloan as the lone no vote.

The Council also approved the 20th pay estimate to Shank Constructors for the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement project of $726,850. City Engineer Jim Leiding said the project is currently at 79 percent complete. Additionally, the Council approved the first pay estimate of $114,169 to Caliber Concrete for the pickleball court project at Russell Park. The Council also approved the first change order of a reduction to the overall budget of $8,854 for the East Lincoln Way road resurfacing project, as well as the third pay estimate to InRoads of $4,858 for the same project. Then the Council approved the final acceptance of release of retainage of $41,235 to InRoads for the aforementioned East Lincoln Way project.

Following a discussion about planning for the 2026 fiscal year budget, the Council decided to review the goals from last year and work through the capital improvement plan. The Council will hold a special session the third Tuesday in November as the budget workshop. Peterson mentioned that the streets and finance committees recommended that educational information should be given to property owners about addressing dead trees on private property. He added that the committees suggested having the city offer assistance financing options to take the burden of paying to have trees removed, and delaying enforcing those that do not comply.