City okays iCash Program participation

Le Mars city council members Tuesday agreed, subject to determination of several legal questions, have approved city membership in a new Iowa League of Cities system for the electronic direct payment of utility bills, permit charges and other city fees.

The system, known as iCash, is similar, City Finance Director Bill Cole said, to that used by Iowa counties to pay license plate fees and property taxes on line. The new League program, now in the developmental phase, is expected to become operational within a year.

Membership cost to the city is a $100 "joining fee" with any additional future costs, Cole said, to be based on actual development, number of cities participating, and available grants. Several cities have already joined the system, he said, and memberships will increase for those joining after July 1. The system is available through a 28E agreement.

Also approved was a continued agreement with the Area IV Agency for meal service at the senior center facilities. The agreement is at no cost to the city but set the senior center as the meal location.

The council also approvided the removal of a street light at the southwest corner of 3rd St. SW and 5th Ave. (Highway 75) reducing the city lighting bill by $24.20 a month.

Council members, during their session also approved additional interfund transfers for the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year. Transfers included: $154,830 from Community Betterment to the Additional Nine Holes Golf Course Fund and $180,000 in Community Betterment Funds to the Recreational Trail Fund.

Also transferred was $135.148.48 from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Funds to the TIF Capital Project Fund as well as the following: $29,733 from Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the Golf Course Fund; $25,000 from Solid Wastes to the General Fund, and $20,247.41 from the Golf Course Renovation Fund to Community Betterment.