The proposed 2027 budget and levy was presented with a 5% increase at the September 8 meeting of the city council. This would amount to an increase of $67,267 over the 2026 budget.
Councilman Steve Hall said he didn’t think the proposed budget was realistic, adding he didn’t know what a fair number is. He continued to maintain that the city’s Comprehensive Plan should be reviewed on an annual basis. The number one priority of residents was road repair and sidewalk improvements. Hall insisted the city needs to build up its reserves to take care of the needs of our community, which they are saying they have.
Mayor Kurt Reicks noted a 1% increase is approximately $12,000. Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke offered to take another look at the 2027 budget over the next couple of weeks. Reicks explained that the city can’t do another bonding project until 2029. He admitted our streets are old; “We can’t just mill and overlay; they need a full reconstruction.” Hall maintained we are not planning for the future, noting neighboring cities have greater preliminary levy increases.
Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer Sheila Marzolf explained the city has done a lot of street improvements over the years. The city has two bonds to service right now for street improvements. “When one of them is paid off we can capture those funds for a new large project. Past city councils have asked us to keep levy increases at about 5%,” she shared.
No action was taken on the 2027 preliminary levy. The council will have to adopt the 2027 preliminary levy at its next meeting. Marotzke said staff will follow up and look at possibly boosting the street and sidewalk budget.
Other Business in Brief
• An EDA director position was approved. Marotzke said the EDA board approved an EDA/Office Float position which will allow the EDA director to be cross trained and fill in where needed. The EDA contract with Lanesboro will end at the end of this year. The estimated cost of the position including wages and benefits is $76,265. This is to be split with the EDA (50%), Preston Public Utilities (25%), and the city (25%).
• Approval was granted for the removal of arborvitae trees on the south side of Crown Hill Cemetery. The trees are very large, encroaching on grave markers and the power line above. The trees will be removed by Norby Tree Service at a cost of $9,450 this year. A small additional cost for backfill and seeding is expected to be less than $500. All project costs will paid out of the Cemetery Fund balance.
• The lower geotechnical survey bid from Chosen Valley Testing out of Rochester in the amount of $8,405 was approved to do borings to test the soil beneath and around the existing swimming pool. Councilman Jon Wood said the testing would have to be done eventually; it would be a disservice to the public to not get this information to voters before the referendum. The cost will be paid out of the Park Board budget. The final report will be available by October 9. There will also be a 10% administration fee (about $840) to be paid to Burbach Aquatics.
Public information meetings regarding the pool are scheduled for Monday, September 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday, October 6 from 4-6 p.m.; and Sunday, October 11 from 1-4 p.m. Meetings will be held at the Depot Museum & Riverfront Center.
• A contribution of $1,501 to Preston Legion/VFW was approved for the purchase of American Flags for 2027.
• New appointments to the Library Board were approved, Jade Grabau and Kelly Duff.
• The hire of four new EMTs was approved; Courtney Nelson, Keith Lewis, Damon Kutz, and Zachary Tincher.
• The preliminary budget and levy will be adopted at the meeting rescheduled to September 28.
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