Council agrees to apply $44,367 Saint Bonnie reconciliation to partner contract

The Minnetrista City Council reviewed a Saint Bonnie Fire Department budget reconciliation request on Feb. 18 and directed staff to apply the $44,367 surplus toward partner contract obligations rather than simply adding the money to the department’s reserve.

Staff said the reconciliation reflected finalized 2025 revenues and expenses and that the $44,367 amount met the threshold for moving funds into a reserve. Historically the city has put such amounts into reserves, but some council members questioned whether the money should instead reduce the city’s contracted amount for fire services, be applied toward unbudgeted equipment or support other municipal needs.

Council members discussed recent uses of the fund (furnace replacement, concrete work, equipment purchases) and noted that if the reserve grew significantly the council could consider spending it down to keep tax or contract obligations steady. Several members argued the $44,367 could cover a meaningful share of next year’s contract or help fund an additional public-safety position and favored redirecting it to the contract.

After discussion the council agreed to apply the reconciliation toward the city’s contract obligations. Staff said that approach could reduce the city’s near-term partner payments; there was no formal roll-call vote recorded in the work session, but council consensus was reached and staff will implement the direction.

The council adjourned the work session and reconvened for a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.