Supervisors narrowly agree to fund New Hampton Phase 2 water loop pending budget hearing

Chair (S1) opened a lengthy discussion on whether Chickasaw County should participate in a 2080 intergovernmental agreement with the City of New Hampton to fund Phase 2 of a water main loop. The chair disclosed a conflict (the project runs adjacent to his 40‑acre property) and circulated maps and budget notes; he also cited the city's resolution (No. 6850) accepting a $235,300 contract with Blasey Corporation for the Northland Avenue loop.

Resident/developer (S5), whose property is affected, urged the board to participate and described current low pressures: "We need about 35 PSI for the sprinkler system to activate. Our residual pressure is sitting about 11." Board members debated possible county contributions (examples discussed included one‑third shares, a 50% cap up to $250,000, and smaller flat amounts). An initial motion to support a county share produced a tied/difficult roll call and did not pass. The board later moved again: a motion by Travis, second by Steve, to participate using county betterment funds in an amount described in the motion (recorded in the minutes as $30,020.30) pending a public hearing and a budget amendment. A roll call on that motion recorded votes Travis—Aye, Steve—Aye, Isaac—Aye, Scott—No; the motion carried 3–1.

Board members noted county benefit considerations, including improved rural fire protection from added hydrants and potential tax base returns on new industrial buildings discussed by the property representative. The chair instructed staff to work with New Hampton to draft the 2080 agreement and prepare a budget amendment and public‑hearing notice before funds are released.