May 1st set as date for referendum on proposed municipal electric utility

On a 6-1 vote, the Decorah City Council has approved a resolution to hold a special election May 1st on whether to establish a municipally-owned electric utility.

Following the city council action, Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski called the issue "a huge topic" and urged the public to "learn about both sides."  City council member Steve Luse--who voted in favor of the resolution--told the meeting it would be good to hear first what the public has to say about the topic.

Borowski said it is "a point of frustration" for her that the timing of special elections required quick action in order to authorize a May 1st vote.  City council member Dan Bellrichard said he saw no sense in delaying a vote, however.

City council member Randy Schissel was the lone "no" vote on the resolution.