Financial oversight, public works infrastructure, emergency services funding, and several community facility improvements dominated discussion at the February 9 Wykoff City Council meeting.
Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting, joined by council members Jeff Hare, Barb Fate, Jane Baker, and Missy Musel. City Administrator Becky Schmidt was also present.
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda before moving into a detailed financial audit presentation from Kali Lentz of CohnReznick Advisory LLC. Lentz reported that Wykoff collected approximately $237,678 in property tax revenue in 2025, accounting for 36% of total governmental revenues. The city’s general fund reserves stood at roughly 91% of annual expenditures, a figure well above typical state benchmarks. Lentz explained that while the state often recommends reserve levels between 35 and 50&, smaller cities with aging infrastructure and long-term capital needs often keep higher balances to avoid financial strain during emergencies or major repairs.
Both the water and sewer enterprise funds ended the year cash-positive, with water rates covering operating expenses and debt service. Sewer operations also finished the year with a positive operating balance before transfers, a result Lentz attributed to steady utility operations without drawing down reserves.
Council members reviewed several recent capital expenditures, including investments in public safety equipment, street maintenance, and park and museum improvements. Public safety costs increased due to purchases such as turnout gear and a new warning siren, while public works expenditures rose following culvert and drainage repairs. Parks and recreation spending included electrical work at the ballpark, new maintenance equipment, picnic tables, and continued stabilization work at Ed’s Museum, much of which was offset through grants and community donations.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents raised concerns related to sidewalk snow removal enforcement and the towing of a vehicle under the city’s nuisance and snow emergency ordinances. Council members noted that meeting rules limit back-and-forth discussion during public comment, but emphasized that city staff and council members would continue communication with affected residents outside the meeting to review concerns and clarify ordinance enforcement.
As part of committee reports, the council approved the purchase of two pressure relief valves for the water system at a cost of approximately $3,000. City staff explained the valves are used during hydrant flushing or when the water tower is offline to prevent pressure surges that can damage aging water infrastructure. Members also approved setting aside up to $5,000 for emergency water and wastewater purchases, allowing staff to respond more quickly to urgent system needs while still reporting expenditures back to the council.
Updates were also provided from the fire department and first responders. No major fire department issues were reported. First responders may benefit from a potential opioid settlement-funded grant being pursued at the county level. Two new portable radios have been encrypted, and additional communication upgrades have been completed for the fire tanker.
Plans were also discussed for hosting a public seminar addressing phone and online scams after recent reports of attempted fraud affecting local residents. Law enforcement has indicated a willingness to participate in an educational session aimed at helping residents recognize common scam tactics and reduce financial risk, particularly among older residents.
After brief discussion under new business, the council voted to pay off an outstanding city loan early, saving approximately $200 in interest. Members also approved a $10,000 transfer from the general fund to the ambulance fund to address a deficit caused by increased training, testing, and payroll costs associated with newly added responders.
The council adopted a resolution approving the 2025 Fillmore County Hazard Mitigation Plan, a step required to maintain eligibility for future FEMA hazard mitigation grants. Conditional approval was also granted for a solar installation near the wastewater treatment facility, with the stipulation that the array be relocated uphill to avoid drainage areas and potential impacts to nearby waterways.
Heating issues at the community center were also reviewed following recent cold weather. Council members discussed insulation and spray-foam proposals aimed at reducing heat loss, improving energy efficiency, and stabilizing interior temperatures. Additional options, including redirecting heat into lower crawl spaces, will be evaluated as part of an effort to reduce operating costs and extend the usable life of the building.
Before adjournment, Mayor Breckenridge recognized a local student who received an honorable mention in the League of Minnesota Cities’ Mayor for a Day essay contest and read a public thank you note expressing appreciation for community support during a recent illness.
The meeting concluded with no further action items.
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