Chickasaw supervisors agree to $30,000 toward New Hampton Phase 2 water loop pending public hearing

The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors voted to participate in the City of New Hampton's Phase 2 water-loop project, approving a $30,000 contribution from the county betterment fund pending a public hearing and a budget amendment. Chair (S1) opened the discussion and disclosed a personal conflict related to the project's location adjacent to his property and asked that any county motion be conditioned on public hearing approval.

Discussion centered on cost sharing and community benefit. A nearby property owner (S2) told the board that current water pressure at his site is inadequate for fire-suppression systems and that completing the loop would support rural growth and generate taxable development; in describing the local tax picture he said one 51,800-square-foot warehouse produces roughly $45,000'$48,000 in total tax bill annually (noting the county collects a portion of that). The chair provided the specific motion language and the board voted by roll call: Isaac, Steve and Travis voted aye; Scott voted no; one member abstained for conflict, producing a 3-1 outcome with the abstention noted for the record.

Board members emphasized the need for formal procedural steps before funds are released. The chair said the contribution will be included in a 28E-style agreement and will be paid to New Hampton if the public hearing and budget amendment proceed. The board directed staff to work with city officials and the county attorney to prepare the agreement and required documentation for the upcoming public hearing.