2025.08.11 Special City Council Meeting MinutesSPECIAL OTSEGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
5:30 PM
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
Call to Order:
Mayor Stockamp called the meeting to order at 5*30 PM.
Roll Call:
Mayor Jessica Stockamp and Councilmembers: Ryan Dunlap, Tina Goede, Michelle Lund, and
Corey Tanner. City Staff: City Administrator/Finance Director Adam Flaherty, and City Clerk
Audra Etzel,
1. 2026 Budget Review —Debt Service &Special Revenue Funds:
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty presented the budget meeting materials as
included in the packet. Flaherty noted the agenda had an error and the draft of the 2026
General Fund Budget is not part of the packet.
Flaherty reviewed the eight special revenue funds and noted that only the three tax increment
district funds have adopted line -item budgets.
CM Dunlap asked about insurance paid to the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC). Flaherty
noted that the City has workers compensation and property insurance policies and estimated
the annual amounts for the combined policies. There was discussion about the appropriate
fund balance for this fund. Flaherty noted the property insurance policy will be up for renewal
soon and that will be another opportunity to review.
CM Lund asked about the Vireo Health Donation fund. Flaherty said the funds are unrestricted
and the City has recently used for small park and recreation programs such as the rain barrel
program. CM Dunlap asked about the interest earned in the funds. Flaherty said the interest
allocation is based on the average cash balance of each fund throughout the year and that
interest is allocated once annually.
The Council reviewed allowed expenditures from the Lawful Gambling fund. Flaherty noted
there is a proposed expenditure in 2026 for the purchase of an SUV for the Fire &Emergency
Services Department. Flaherty added that these funds could be used to offset a portion of the
law enforcement contract with Wright County.
CM Lund asked if the Street Light District funds could be used to expand lighting. Flaherty said
yes, but new development lighting is paid for by the developer. CM Tanner asked about
restrictions. Flaherty reviewed the history of this fund and discussed that the funding should be
used for lighting replacements in the Above Standard Lighting District. CM Dunlap asked how
the revenue is generated. Flaherty said the fee is from new developments in the Above
Standard Lighting area.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 11, 2025
Flaherty said the Development Revolving Fund has $129,300 for Affordable Housing Aid; cities
with a population over 10,000 were allocated Affordable Housing Aid. CM Lund asked if the
funds could be used for senior housing programs, so funding does not go away. Flaherty noted
that the State has specific authorized uses for the funding and there is a timeline for use. Mayor
Stockamp asked how the other communities were using the aid. Flaherty said those in the area
who received the funding are awaiting Wright County development of a program for the
funding.
Flaherty reviewed the three debt service funds: 2018A (paid off in 2034), 2020A (paid off in
2028), and 2024A (paid off in 2046). CM Dunlap asked about the City paying the EDA for debt
service . Flaherty said the EDA will request a budget from the City by Resolution and that the
City will need to budget for the payments to the EDA.
Flaherty reviewed Funds that have fund balances that are unassigned and could be reallocated
to meet other goals of the City Council. CM Dunlap asked about the tax levy into the Capital
Improvement Revolving Fund. Flaherty noted this is a tax abatement on the new development
within the Parkview Retail area that is repaying the public infrastructure investment the City
made, and noted once that is repaid, the abatement levy will go away. CM Lund asked about
future infrastructure. Flaherty reviewed that development fees help pay for water and sewer
utilities, park improvements, but that street infrastructure does not have a fee authorized by
Statute. The City Council discussed a variety of future infrastructure needs. Flaherty noted
there could be discussion at the next Public Works Subcommittee meeting and agrees that
those items should be included in the Capital Improvement Plan, but they also need to be
funded appropriately.
CM Dunlap at 6:55 PM motioned to continue this special meeting following the 7 PM regular
meeting, seconded by CM Goede. All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Stockamp motioned to reopen this special meeting at 7:22 PM, seconded by CM
Goede. All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
Flaherty noted the next budget meeting the Council will review Capital Project Funds within the
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that have proposed tax levies and to have the first review of the
preliminary property tax levy.
Flaherty said the City Council will need to adopt a preliminary levy before September 30th and
noted the last City Council meeting before that date is September 22nd
Mayor Stockamp motioned to call for a special budget meeting on September 8, 2025, at 5:30
PM, seconded by CM Goede. All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
Flaherty said staff are looking for direction regarding the vacancy of the Emergency Services
Director position. The Council discussed different options to fill the Emergency Services
Director position. After a lengthy discussion the City Council and staff agreed to look at an
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 11, 2025
interim position during the vacancy and recruitment process. Flaherty said staff will work on a
list of primary duties and bring back for Council consideration to move forward.
2. Adjourn.
CM Goede motioned to adjourn at 8:07 PM, seconded by CM Tanner. All in favor. Motion
carried 5-0.
Minutes prepared by City Clerk, Audra Etzel.
City of Otsego:
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ATTEST:
Audra Etzel, CILy kCIerk
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