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Council discusses adding police station and utility projects to state bonding priority; no formal action taken
Summary
Council members discussed pursuing state bonding funds for a proposed police station and potential water/sanitary projects, the timing and retroactivity of bonding awards, and plans to meet legislators; no motion was made.
Council members discussed placing city projects, including a proposed police station and potential water treatment or sanitary work, on the state’s bonding priority list and meeting with legislators, but did not take formal action.
Maggie said she read in the League of Minnesota Cities magazine about the 2025 bonding bill and that money from that bill would likely be available in 2026. "I was reading in the League of Minnesota Cities magazine that came out today, about the, 2025 bonding bill, for I think money's available in 2026," Maggie said. She asked whether the city should "put our name in the hat" to be considered for bond funds toward a proposed police station.
City staff said they have discussed the matter with financial advisors (Ehlers) and that funds are generally not available retroactively after a project begins. Staff said they and Dwayne will meet with legislators next week to press for support and to understand timing and eligibility. Staff cautioned that missing the initial list or beginning a project before funds are approved can affect eligibility; council members referenced mixed experiences from other cities where retroactive funding was and was not awarded.
Council members discussed the application process: an initial step to put a project's name on a preliminary list, followed by preparing a fuller package and securing legislative support. They noted the legislature did not pass bonding bills in 2022 and 2023, and staff said the 2025 bill under discussion would likely fund projects in 2026. Members also referenced advocacy venues such as the League of Minnesota Cities and MMUA (the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association) and described planned visits to legislative priority events.
No motion was made to submit an application or place the city on a specific list during the meeting. Staff reported they will pursue discussions with legislators and can place the city's name on a preliminary list; council members noted the city could remove its name later if necessary. The council did not set a formal deadline or vote on whether to delay bidding for the proposed police station while awaiting bonding decisions.
