When the Owen Common Council met on Tuesday, May 28, a large portion of their meeting was a tour of the Owen Water facilities and Wastewater Treatment Plant (see related story). After returning to city hall, they got an update on the Kerry Ingredients Tax Settlement. Clerk Tracy Rau spoke to the state’s attorney who told her it was too late to fight it. They told her that Kerry protests their assessment every year and to be prepared for next year. At this point there is nothing the city can do, but they will be able to file an appeal next year. Rau was told that Kerry goes straight to Tax Court and that they tried to fight their assessment back to 2011. Kerry hires their own appraisers. Rau will be contacted by the state to get the chargeback numbers correct. Kerry has not let an assessor in their building since 2018.

In regard to past due water payments, those who get monthly bills got a reminder in May. After the next bills are sent, they will start sending 10-day notices to those who continue to be past due. The clerk and public works will then have to coordinate water shutoffs for those that don’t pay or make a payment agreement.

Under the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Jalling said he would like to receive agendas by the Wednesday before the meeting and have until noon on Thursday to make changes. The agendas would then be posted by end of business on Thursday. He also reported that Master Package (Norbert Pabich) donated $5,000 toward next year’s Centennial celebration. He gave a thank you to Dominic Haupt for driving and Jane Schmitz from Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center for use of the bus for the facilities tour.

Under Other Reports, Alderperson Pam Jaffke said that the O-W Area Economic Development Corporation had approved a loan for an area business. Cindy Cardinal reported on behalf of Growin’ Owen that two of the whiskey barrels that were purchased for plants last year are missing and have been reported stolen. The Welcome to Owen sign will be on the next Downtown Revitalization Committee agenda and an update will be given after that meeting.

Before bills were paid a question was asked about an electric bill at the Mill Pond. It was for the bathrooms and runs high in the winter. A question was also asked about the expenses for K-9 Jimi and if they are part of the police budget. The response was they are.