City Council, 6 months in review
The next City Council meeting will be held on May 6, 2025, at 6 pm. City Council meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at City Hall. Community members are welcome to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom. A public hearing section of the meeting allows for community members to share comments or concerns with the council. A short review of the past six months of City Council meetings can be read below.
November 2024
The council celebrated two five-year work anniversaries: Finance Director Tyler Grabau, recognized for his leadership in multi-million dollar projects and community involvement, and Deputy City Clerk Jessica Bruce, acknowledged for her work in utility billing and election management. The council conducted a first reading of the cannabis ordinance, which will be administered by Wabasha County with a limit of two cannabis businesses. Regarding property matters, the council decided to explore selling Parcel A of Canon Park for housing development, despite Parks Board recommendations against it, and approved the sale of the Main Street East and Washington properties, though both properties face various development challenges. (Canon Park will not be changed, and Parcel A may not have access to city water lines). The council addressed an 18% increase in healthcare premiums and approved a $15,000 contribution to the Chamber of Commerce for local festivals. Finally, the Parks Board welcomed two new members, and the council determined that board members must be either residents or property owners in Wabasha.
December 2024
The seasonal dog park closure, tax increases, and housing concerns were discussed. The meeting drew significant public attendance, with residents advocating to keep the dog park open during winter, offering to forgo city maintenance as a compromise (the dog park did remain open for winter). The tax discussion revealed widespread confusion among community members, particularly regarding the distinction between property tax assessments (handled by Wabasha County) and the city's 8.9% tax increase for public services in the 2025 fiscal year. Housing emerged as a critical concern, especially for seniors on fixed incomes who were worried about rising costs. The meeting also clarified questions about the previously approved $16.4 million school renovation referendum, which had passed in November 2023 and was already being funded through existing taxes. Throughout the discussions, Mayor Emily Durand emphasized that detailed budget information and housing reports were available on the city's website and encouraged continued community participation.
January 2025
A review of the 2024 year was presented. The Ambulance Department had its busiest year yet, responding to 919 emergency calls, a 31% increase from 2023 while completing its first full year of Advanced Life Support services. The Fire Department answered 120 calls and completed a $500,000 Fire Hall renovation, while the Police Department maintained strong community ties and handled numerous cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious offenses. The Public Library had over 31,000 visitors and hosted 164 programs, while the city pool served 2,200 visitors and provided 212 swim lessons. Major infrastructure improvements included a new Athletic Complex featuring baseball fields and recreational facilities, the community-funded Dog Park, and significant downtown reconstruction on Pembroke and Bridge Avenues costing $7,069,000. The city's Port Authority generated $329,000 through a barge terminal partnership and supported local businesses with nearly $29,000 in loans. Throughout the year, the Public Works Department maintained efficient operations, handling 22 snow events and planting 368 new trees, while Emergency Management successfully secured nearly $274,000 in flood-response grants during a significant flood event.
For the rest of the story February- April, purchase the Wabasha County Herald at your local newsstands or subscribe online.
