HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240603 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
June 3, 2024
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Monday, June 3,
2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street,
Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Fox, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld,
Pemble, and Vihrachoff
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Finance Manager Chris Eitemiller
Assistant Finance Manager Ashley DeBernardi
Community Development Director John Hinzman
Public Works Director Ryan Stempski
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:30 pm and welcomed councilmembers and
staff. Eitemiller opened the presentation and discussion on preparation and planning for the
2025 budget.
Overview
Eitemiller reviewed basic revenues and expenses for the budget. At present market valuations
and data to estimate property taxes are pending, but it appears that a plain “maintenance” budget
to fund existing services, prior commitments, and inflation could result in a 7% to 7.5% increase
in the levy. Based on last year’s property values, this would be about a $144 increase for the
average residential home.
He noted several other major expenses that will impact this and/or future budgets: backlog of
capital projects, parks and trails plan, fire station remodel, City share of Highway 61 project, and
three water treatment plants for PFAS and nitrates.
PFAS Treatment
Stempski explained that due the new EPA limits, the City will need to construct water treatment
plants to remove PFAS contamination from the drinking water. Plans include treatment to also
remove nitrates which are at elevated levels. This will be a lengthy and expensive project. The
total construction estimate is $68.9M, and ongoing operations and maintenance will run upwards
of $1M annually. The plan is to construct one WTP per year for three years, proposed to start in
early spring 2025 in order to budget the water rate increases to begin the first of the year. With a
five year deadline by the EPA, there is little time to delay.
Although our project seemed to be well received, the legislative session ended without a state
bonding bill. We have applied for other funding an intend to seek state bonding support next