La Porte council approves year‑end budgets, salary changes and fund transfers

The La Porte Common Council approved multiple year‑end financial and personnel items at its Dec. 15 meeting.

Council approved the 2026 Water Department budget, listed in the meeting as $6,025,911. The clerk treasurer noted the water and wastewater funds are enterprise (non‑tax) funds and that budgets are estimates. The council also approved the wastewater and stormwater budgets and a range of other line‑item transfers.

Council introduced and then passed, by suspension of rules for a non‑zoning ordinance, amendments to the salary ordinance that fix pay ranges and add several position descriptions and benefits (for example, a fitness reimbursement of up to $500 per year for eligible employees). Members voted to suspend the rules and passed the ordinance by voice vote the same night.

The council also approved a resolution to transfer funds within the 2025 budget (detailed transfers enumerated in the resolution) and a separate resolution to encumber various 2025 appropriations so invoices incurred in 2025 can be paid or carried forward under the 2025 appropriation rules.

Ending: These routine year‑end financial items passed by voice vote; the council then moved on to appointments and other business before adjourning for the holidays.