At the September 2 meeting, the Brownsville City Council considered four scenarios for the 2027 preliminary budget before voting for the 8% levy increase.
Councilor Barb Hurley was absent but roll call showed a quorum with all other council members present. All votes were unanimous.
City Treasurer Jenna Knight said last year the preliminary was proposed at 10% and that is what it was set at. Mayor Jean Meyer reminded the council that the levy amount can go down, but not up when it is finalized in December. City Clerk Steve Schuldt said the levy is for the general fund and “we’re sitting well.” He added the city has $220,000 invested in 4M funds.
Councilor Pam Walhovd said, “With looking at increases for sewer, garbage and property taxes, can we shift some from this fund?” She was told it’s not advisable but could possibly be done with a council resolution on a rare occasion. She also thought that increases for property taxes are easier for elderly taxpayers because if they qualify, they get a refund. An 8% increase would be $15,382 for 2027. The motion carried and Meyer said it could be revisited in December and lowered then.
Fire District Meeting Set for October 15
Brownsville Fire & Rescue Assistant Fire Chief/Training Officer Brandon Frank updated the council on the annual fire district meeting. It’s set for Thursday, October 15 at 7 p.m. Frank said he would talk about how successful the fundraiser was and talk about the boat houses. He also said the gambling license is “up and running with pull tabs at the marina.” He expects to grow and expand the program. He is looking for someone to train as the gambling manager or an assistant to the current manager.
Other Council Business
The consent agenda was approved with one addition to the agenda for an ad in the Visit Bluff Country visitors guide.
There was a public hearing for the Kujak Variance Request. There were two adjoining property owners at the hearing to state their objections, including a decrease in one owner’s property value and blockage of his view. Another issue was the rule of 24 hours on a city street not being followed with the RV camper and proximity to the property lines not meeting what the city had established. Meyer said the request was originally just for fencing and there were lots more things added during a site visit. She said it can be modified and resubmitted. The permit was denied as it stands based on misinformation given to the council members who did a site visit.
Another permit application for a portable storage unit was approved. Walhovd said it should be anchored.
Photo by Rose Korabek
The council voted not to reimburse a recent wedding party that rented the community center and said they left food in the refrigerator that spoiled overnight due to the power being off. The renters asked for $455 to cover the loss. The council said that while it’s unfortunate, it’s never happened before and it was out of their control.
A Tier 2 MN Housing grant resolution was approved to move forward. The grant for $75,000 would be used for doors and windows at the manor.
The Ag Vantage annual contract for propane was approved for the prepay option at $1.47 per gallon. Schuldt will have the tax removed since they are tax exempt, and then it will be around $7,300.
The council voted against placing an ad in the 2027-28 Visit Bluff Country visitors guide at a cost of $239.
The sewer budget report was given. There is $9,000 in the account, but the council wants to increase it. City Sewer Operator/Maintenance Dean Twite said he would be using over $5,000 for fall work, leaving around $3,500.
The city will have follow up ordinance letters going out required by city law with the status of each property. Fitzpatrick said he’s noticed “some improvements on some properties, and that’s what we want to see.”
During department reports, Twite said a replacement switch had been ordered for the wastewater treatment plant, the Manor inspection went great, and the community center door automatic openers are disabled. He will turn them on for events as needed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
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