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Council approves updated recommended contributions to local nonprofits for 2026 preliminary budget after rescind and revised motion
Summary
After discussion about funding building maintenance, council rescinded an earlier contribution motion and approved updated average-based contribution amounts for multiple local nonprofits to include in the 2026 preliminary budget.
The New Ulm City Council approved updated recommended contribution amounts to multiple local nonprofits for inclusion in the 2026 preliminary budget after debate about funding private facility repairs led councilors to rescind an earlier motion and adopt revised averages.
Councilors discussed whether city funds should be used for building maintenance at private or nonprofit-owned facilities; several members said they support programming but worry about becoming responsible for building repairs in the long term. Councilors noted the list seeks to fund public-facing programming and organizations but that the city is not in the business of indefinitely funding building maintenance.
After an initial motion and a subsequent motion to rescind the first approval for the New Ulm Business and Retail Association (NUBRA), Councilor Schmitz moved to approve updated average-recommendation amounts across the list. The council approved the revised contributions, with amounts (as announced by council) including: New Ulm Business & Retail Association $6,733 (rounded in discussion to $6,667), New Ulm Historical Society $23,286, Heart of New Ulm $15,714, Battery (Bavarian Blast band/organization) $20,000, New Ulm Municipal Band $15,000, Wanda Gaug Association $1,486, Concord Singers $6,200, Lindhaus Association $2,857, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation $1,500, Fire Relief Association $2,143, Bavarian Blast $2,143, Grand Center for the Arts $3,571 and State Street Theater $2,857.
Council recorded the motions and returned multiple votes to approve the amounts. Councilors expressed intent to review the policy next year and indicated some members will press for limits on funding building repairs going forward.
