Minnesota City council approves 2025 budget and $40,000 levy, OKs utility easement and bank sweep

The Minnesota City Council approved the city’s 2025 budget and left the final levy at $40,000 during its Dec. 10 meeting, officials said. The council voted unanimously on motions to adopt the budget and retain the levy as previously proposed.

Why it matters: The budget and levy set the city’s revenue plan for the year and shape funding available for services including water and sewer operations. Council action also cleared an administrative banking change and a land easement that enable utility extension to private properties.

Council actions and votes - Minutes and finances: Council accepted the Nov. 12 minutes and approved the Treasurer’s Report for November. On a motion by Council member Joe Pellowski, seconded by Emily Conners, the council approved payment of listed bills totaling $12,637.25, which included utility charges to Xcel Energy, a contract payment to People Service Inc. for the wastewater plant, professional services from Stantec, payroll entries, and other routine disbursements.

- Bank account security: Lucas Stangl of Merchants Bank presented an Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) account as a replacement for the bank’s current pledging practice. The council voted to discontinue pledging and move city funds to an ICS structure after updating authorized contacts; Angie Bohnstengel moved the motion and Emily Conners seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

- Utility easement: Bruce Nelson asked the council to approve a permanent public utility and drainage easement to allow extension of utilities to a strip of co-owned access land. Council approved easements for Parcel #27.000.0851, Parcel #27.000.0781 and Parcel #27.000.0782 on a motion by Joe Pellowski, seconded by Angie Bohnstengel; all voted in favor.

- Election certification and schedule: The council approved and certified the Nov. 5, 2024 election results for city offices and adopted the 2025 council meeting schedule. Meetings will generally start at 7:00 p.m., with the Feasibility Presentation scheduled March 4, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

- Administrative business: The council left the Final 2025 levy at $40,000 (motion by Joe Pellowski, seconded by Angie Bohnstengel) and approved the 2025 municipal budget (motion by Joe Pellowski, seconded by Angie Bohnstengel). Amanda Benter is exploring an online sewer-bill payment option; Vision Design Group is evaluating a Stripe-based solution. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Accept Nov. 12 minutes: Moved Joe Pellowski; second Angie Bohnstengel — approved (unanimous). - Approve Treasurer’s Report and pay bills ($12,637.25): Moved Joe Pellowski; second Emily Conners — approved (unanimous). - Switch to Insured Cash Sweep (ICS): Moved Angie Bohnstengel; second Emily Conners — approved (unanimous). - Approve permanent utility and drainage easement for Parcel #27.000.0851, #27.000.0781, #27.000.0782: Moved Joe Pellowski; second Angie Bohnstengel — approved (unanimous). - Certify Nov. 5, 2024 election results: Moved Angie Bohnstengel; second Emily Conners — approved (unanimous). - Approve 2025 meeting dates: Moved Joe Pellowski; second Angie Bohnstengel — approved (unanimous). - Leave Final 2025 levy at $40,000: Moved Joe Pellowski; second Angie Bohnstengel — approved (unanimous). - Approve 2025 budget: Moved Joe Pellowski; second Angie Bohnstengel — approved (unanimous). - Adjourn meeting: Moved Joe Pellowski; second Angie Bohnstengel — approved (unanimous).

What to watch next: The Feasibility Presentation is scheduled for March 4, 2025 at 6 p.m., immediately preceding the regular council meeting. Officials also will return with details on the proposed online sewer-billing payment option.

The council’s next regular meeting is Jan. 7, 2025 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.