By Peggy Hanson
Lanesboro, MN
(Note – although this letter is specific to Lanesboro, it is fair to say that most if not all the small towns in our area are struggling with the issue of aging infrastructure. Financial assistance from the state has been declining and there is continuing inaction at the federal level. Are we adequately preparing for the future?)
I write as a citizen of Lanesboro who has concerns about a recent city council decision. Our city council recently voted 3 to 2 to spend $95,000 on some street improvements even though this expenditure was not included in the current city operating budget. Nor was it included in a capital improvement plan, because we do not have one. Nor does the city have an explicit policy goal regarding acceptable property tax rates or fee burdens. If this kind of decision-making continues, we are in trouble.
Despite my concerns, I remain optimistic about the future of our community. In the 28 years I have lived here I have seen local residents build businesses, put on festivals, support our school and volunteer for public service. We are seeing modest growth in the number of families with children deciding to live in the city. Our city has recently made investments in improved water and electrical utilities and street repair. Our tourism, arts and agricultural economies appear reasonably strong. Our school is planning major new building improvements. Overall, Lanesboro provides a good and affordable quality of life for those who live, work, go to school or visit here.
But will our good quality of life continue? This is where my optimism gets shaky. I believe we have arrived at a critical time for our town. I have to ask whether our elected city leaders are committed to making and following through on a plan for public infrastructure improvements essential to maintain our quality of life.
There is good news: The Lanesboro city government (this includes the public utilities commission), with the help of the city engineer, is in the process of identifying infrastructure needs. Hopefully this will result in an official plan and capital budget. The city is also consulting with its financial advisor about how to pay for future capital infrastructure costs.
And some bad news: Whatever specific plan is forthcoming, Lanesboro citizens and property owners will almost certainly be facing higher taxes and utility fees to pay back large amounts of new debt for a long period of time. There will be some state and federal money around to help us, but we would be foolish to believe that we will escape without higher — perhaps significantly higher — local costs. The city will be challenged to stick to a plan in the face of competing interests among residents, some more vocal than other.
This is an election year. We will have an opportunity to elect a mayor and two council members in November. I am not sure who will be on the ballot. Filing for city office closes August 14 at 5 p.m.
Here are some questions any of us might ask of our current council members and any candidate for city office.
1) What are the most important specific infrastructure projects needing to be completed in Lanesboro in the next 10 years, in order of priority? Explain the reasons for your choices.
2) How much would each project cost and where would the money come from to pay for each project?
3) Does the city have a policy goal regarding maximum acceptable tax rates or fee burdens or cost sharing for special assessments?
4) For capital expenditure decisions, will you give weight to the recommendations of the city administrator, city engineer and city financial advisor? If you go against the recommendation of city professionals, will you be able to explain why?
5) What specific efforts will you make to keep utility customers and property taxpayers informed as to the costs – in either fees or taxes – that will be borne by them to accomplish these improvements?
For a list of pending or recently completed infrastructure projects in Lanesboro, including cost estimates totaling many millions of dollars, contact the city office. (507) 467-3722
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