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EDA director reports smaller budget, active industrial expansions and a choice about city land
Summary
Mike Sauser, director of Pine City's Economic Development Authority, told the council the EDA will operate on a $41,046 budget with a fund balance just under $600,000 and described industrial expansions, a possible 20,000 sq ft addition and a $5 million equipment purchase; council asked for a joint work session and tabled a membership renewal for further review.
Mike Sauser, director of the Economic Development Authority, briefed the Pine City Council on the EDA's annual activities and finances, reporting a FY budget of $41,046 and an available fund balance just under $600,000.
Sauser summarized the EDA's mission as preserving and creating jobs, enhancing the tax base and promoting the general welfare of Pine City. He said two industrial businesses are expanding: Ascot (several companies including Tower Solutions) is exploring a roughly 20,000-square-foot addition and Broka/Broken Beltway is installing a high-end $5 million tempering line imported from Germany. Sauser said these projects generate local subcontracting work for steel, welding, machining and coatings.
Sauser also outlined decisions the EDA faces for city-owned development land. He said the city holds an 0.8-acre parcel that multiple businesses now want and recommended staff and members meet with both parties to consider options rather than simply conducting a competitive bid. Sauser flagged the Orvis property, which the city purchased for about $237,000 and which remains zoned agricultural; he said the council will need to decide whether to preserve it for industrial expansion or allow it to be considered for housing.
Councilors pressed for more detail on how EDA funds are used and how projects are prioritized. One councilor asked for a fuller accounting of recent loans and grants the EDA has issued; Sauser replied that the EDA has made several small business loans that are being repaid and that routine expenditures include legal and engineering services, surveys and shared studies.
Council members agreed a separate workshop or joint session with EDA members would be useful. Dan moved to table the related item on a member's term renewal (item 6.2) so the council and EDA could digest the materials and schedule a work session; the motion carried by voice vote.
The council directed staff to return with dates and additional financial detail at a future meeting.
