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The North Branch City Council meeting began last week with a swearing in and badge-pinning for two new police officers. One, Jason Sievert,  has years of experience with a sheriff’s department and the other, Isabel Linnerooth,  is new to law enforcement.

Council also heard that the newly-designed city website is nearing its go-live date. Clerk Tonya Kotusch briefly demonstrated the site for feedback.  A note: e mails and the web address will change under this transition. The new web address northbranchmn.gov and emails will be automatically forwarded for a time.

North Branch scheduled its truth in taxation hearing December 3, with a final adoption of the budget and levy expected on the December 9 agenda.  

Last week, the council reviewed some big ticket items in the proposed budget  and discussed borrowing for upcoming equipment needs, as well as how much debt the city should plan on taking on.  One piece of equipment there is hesitancy on replacing in the future is the $300,000 truck used for leaf pick-up.  Council talked around the edges of eliminating this service but it was not an action item last week.

The action needed was to adopt the legally required “reimbursement” resolution unanimously, which was agreed to be for $2.05 million.  This action sets the city up to be able to front the money for some bonding purchases, that have a long lead time,  and North Branch can pay itself back when the debt is finalized.  The city hopes to buy a ladder truck and three snow plows with the bond proceeds but they  should be ordered soon.  The city finance director asked council to finalize the reimbursable amount, which ended up at a little over $2 million.  Sharon Wright explained the city will only need the reimbursement authority if the items arrive quickly and have to be paid out of city reserves.  It is anticipated bond payments won’t begin until 2027.

In answer to the mayor’s question about why the city is not tapping into reserves Wright said North Branch has unrestricted funds of $4 million now that need to be left alone.  Administrator Matthew Hill advised the city ought to maintain its level of fund balance for cash flow purposes. 

Council is opting to wait until the public Truth in Taxation hearing can take place. But, at this point it’s in the range of a 5.9 percent increase. With increases in property valuations (new parcels) however, depending on the valuation of individual properties— this could translate to a zero property tax hike.  The tax rate is projected to be at 40.36 percent which would be a dip from the existing 42.15 percent.

In other business, council tabled action on a final Planned Unit Development plat for Meadows Ridge.  Staff advised there are modifications in agreements to be edited and the action will be on the December 9 agenda.

Council reported Hill’s performance review outcome was acceptable. The relatively new administrator is effective and “well positioned” to do his duties.

The city hall will be closed at noon, December 24, 29 and 30 in addition to the holiday usual closings.  The council heard this has been done since 2018 and no city business seems negatively impacted and staff are able to focus on year-end organizing tasks and filing reports with the doors closed.

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