City Administrator Michele Peterson presented Truth in Taxation information during a hearing at the city council’s December 9 meeting.
Peterson listed guiding principles which include maintaining a steady, predictable tax rate at around 90% which has been achieved. Another goal is to reduce the city’s debt per capita to $3,500 or less (currently at $3,738). The city’s budget is based on specified goals and needs. Public works and safety programs are geared to reasonably assure public safety, convenience and maintenance of property values. Another goal is to maintain communication and administration services to keep citizens informed and to protect the city’s data and operating systems.
Peterson provided a breakdown of the average property tax per jurisdiction: 54.82% to the city, 23.42% for schools, and 21.34% to the county. Utility rates for 2025 will see an increase (water 5% and sewer 3%), but going forward the increases will be less, or rates will hold steady.
No one from the public commented on the presentation.
The final property tax levy for taxes to be paid in 2025 was approved at $2,738,363. This is an increase of 5.8% over 2024, or a $150,038 increase. It is a decrease from the preliminary levy approved in September which was a proposed 6.87% increase (or an increase of $177,698).
Other Business in Brief
• Approval was granted to purchase a Traffic Calm system from Safety Signs. The solar powered pedestrian crossing system with push button activation will cost $26,475 which includes installation. MnDOT will provide advanced warning signage and striping for a crosswalk at the intersection. The system is to be installed on the north side of the TH 74 and Winona St. SE intersection.
• The final payment in the amount of $50,791.12 to Killmer Electric Co., Inc. for work completed on the 2022 Water System Electrical Improvement Project was approved. The total revised contract was $546,885.43.
• Dan Funk described plans for an Enterprise Dr. Walking Trail. The trail is to be 10 feet wide and about .6 miles long, starting and stopping at the end of Enterprise Dr. It will run through the woods on city owned property. Signs are to be installed to mark adjacent property lines. Volunteers were willing to remove brush for the trail and maintain it. Councilor Paul Novotny suggested there should be city oversight since it will be located on city property, citing liability concerns. A motion was approved to have Public Works explore plans for the trail.
• A 4% increase in the pay grid was approved effective January 1, 2025.
• The LELS (law enforcement labor services) contract for 2025-2026 was approved as drafted.
• Alison Bentley was hired as the Community Development Director as recommended by Personnel/Budget Committee.
• Ryan Gilbertson was appointed, contingent on completion of paperwork and reviews, as a part-time police officer as recommended by Personnel/Budget Committee.
• Expenditures were approved for a migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 operating system and the replacement of two existing workstations and the addition of one new workstation.
• Approval was granted for City Administrator Michele Peterson and Public Works Director Brian Burkholder to work out a rental agreement for property the city purchased from the state. The agreement is to be from January to June 2025.
• The appointment of 2025 fire department officers was approved (Lucas Thieke as chief, Peter Erickson as first assistant, Jason Baldner as second assistant, Jill Harstad as captain, Steve Schlichter as captain, Chris Musty as training officer, and Steve Schmiedeberg as safety officer).