CHAMOIS — Chamois aldermen voted on March 24 to transfer control of Chamois Day to the Chamois Community in Action group, including all funds associated with the event, shifting responsibility for the annual celebration away from the city.

Board members expressed support for the change, citing the group’s organization and involvement.

“I have no problem turning the Chamois Day accounts over,” Alderman Shawn Mitchem said.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Alderman Lacey Garrett added.

The Chamois Community in Action group has already formed a board and plans to begin holding public meetings in May.

“Our intent was to draw attention to our businesses and our community, bring people home for a day to celebrate where we live,” said Rhonda Mitchem. “If we break even, that’s all I ever hope for.”

She said operating under a civic organization rather than the city may also make it easier to secure sponsorships. “I just think that … sponsorship-wise, raffle prize-wise, all those kinds of things, I think if it’s just a civic organization running with it, they’ll look more favorably at that,” Mitchem said.

The motion to transfer the event and its funds was approved unanimously.

• Water billing concerns dominated the meeting’s public forum, with multiple residents requesting relief after leaks led to unusually high bills.

— One resident reported a leak at a vacant property that resulted in a bill of $898.83 and more than 58,000 gallons of usage. He said the leak was caused by a burst pipe during a cold snap. Sewer charges were removed, reducing the balance to about $515. Council members approved an additional $150 reduction, at Alderman Mitchem’s suggestion, due in part to the resident’s assertion that he always paid on time. The adjustment brought the total owed to approximately $363.

— A second resident, who had taken over an existing payment plan, asked for additional relief after a leak resulted in a bill of $332.63. Although the resident had already made a payment and received a sewer credit, a remaining balance combined with the payment plan amount left $114.84 due. Aldermen debated whether to waive the amount or extend the payment plan. The board ultimately voted to move the $114.84 to the end of the payment plan rather than eliminate it.

• The council approved a $150 fee for a nonprofit paddling group planning to camp in Chamois following a river event.

Earlier discussions had tied a reduced rate to purchases from local students raising money for school trips, but that arrangement was no longer possible due to food allergies within the group.

“If they’re not going to buy from the kids, which we were going to help the school out with that, I think we should charge them more,” said Alderman Cheyanna Wolf.

• The board voted not to move forward with a scrap tire grant for playground improvements after receiving only one bid, which exceeded available funding.

The total project cost was estimated at more than $86,000, leaving the city responsible for more than $11,000 beyond the grant amount.

Aldermen said they may revisit improvements in the future, potentially focusing on replacing aging equipment before upgrading the surface.

• The board approved the sale of an old lagoon pump for $400.

• Board members approved $900 from cemetery funds to cover tree-trimming, brush removal, and installation of a new sign marking a hearse access lane.

• The Lions Club was approved to remove an unused batting cage structure due to overgrowth and safety concerns.

• Aldermen approved continued work with Archer-Elgin on lead service line identification, including mailing notices to residents outlining next steps.

• A decision on participating in a regional visitors guide was tabled.

• The council authorized publication of a notice seeking bids for the potential sale of a city-owned property located between two businesses.

• Officials said the city’s prosecuting attorney has resigned, and a replacement is being sought.

• City officials reported recent water main breaks due to fluctuating temperatures and a sewer issue that caused backups in at least one residence. Both issues have been addressed.

• The city reported water loss of 51% (576,534 gallons). Water connections included 217 water users and 23 vacant properties.

• Residents were reminded of an upcoming city cleanup day and UTV registration scheduled for April 18.

• Financial reports showed total city funds of $672,521.20 across multiple accounts, as well as $12,318.10 in CDs. The city also received $3,747.93 in CART funds and $1,950.39 in sales tax revenue for February.

• Bills totaling $19,010.15 were approved.

• Their next meting is scheduled for April 20 at 6:30 p.m., at city hall.