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Moose Lake council weighs using $150,000 in 2025 public safety savings for roads, water and law enforcement services
Summary
At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Moose Lake City Council discussed allocating an unaudited $150,000 in 2025 public safety savings to projects including road work, water tower maintenance and enhanced law enforcement coverage at city events. Council also reviewed water/wastewater figures and a request about mound sewer systems.
At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Moose Lake City Council reviewed an unaudited $150,000 in savings from the 2025 public safety budget and discussed priorities for that money. Councilor Walter Lower III urged using some or all of the funds for a road project, while Councilor Doug Juntunen raised the water tower maintenance needs and Councilor Kris Heaton-Huso proposed allocating part of the savings to law enforcement services for city events.
The council heard a departmental report from City Superintendent Phil Entner noting the city distributed 3.8 million gallons of drinking water in December 2025 and collected 9.3 million gallons of wastewater; Entner also said a watermain break will need repair and that treatment operations have been slow during winter. Entner reported arena staffing is short and the city is seeking Zamboni drivers; campground trees are slated for spring removal.
Council members discussed previously-identified development constraints on 8th Street, where rocky substrate and costly utility extension limit new construction. Separately, a property owner asked whether the city would permit subsurface (mound) sewer systems inside city limits for properties not connected to city sewer. Councilor Juntunen noted that the Minnesota Department of Health will advise on how such systems would affect the city's Wellhead Protection Program and recommended postponing the matter until further research is completed; the council also noted utilities are not provided to the requested area because of ledge rock.
Finance staff reported the city and employees will each contribute 0.44 percent toward the Minnesota Paid Leave Program, an annual cost to the city of about $5,000, and that 2025 audit uploads have begun with an on-site visit scheduled for May. The municipal liquor store reported lower spending in 2025 and reduced revenues, and the city's unrestricted fund remains below the auditor-recommended six-month reserve.
The council did not adopt a final allocation decision at the meeting; next steps include further research, cost estimates for potential projects, and follow-up during future budget or work sessions.
