The Mitchell City Council’s vote on the Lake Mitchell project was a 4-4 tie, meaning dredging and treatment of the algae-ridden lake will not happen.  Normally, the mayor will cast a tie-breaking vote in the event of a tie, but that only applies to situations that do not involve spending money.   The agenda item was action to approve a $25 million loan application to dredge and treat the lake.  The loan terms were 30 years at 3.25 percent interest.  That along with annual treatment of the lake would cost the city 1.8 million dollars per year.  Jeff Smith, Marty Barington, Susan Tjarks, and Steve Rice voted yes.  Kevin McCardle, Dan Allen, Dan Sabers, and John Doescher voted no.

Mitchell Mayor Bob Everson says he plans on bringing the issue to the council to put on a ballot for a public vote.  He says they will try to move it into the 10 percent debt.  The mayor says that’s a higher bonding form of debt that the city carries which has more capacity.