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The streets downtown in Taylors Falls will be perked up a bit with a new garbage receptacle plan in place.  The city council Monday night this week voted in favor of acquiring several matching black cans with city art, for a not to exceed sum of $6,000.  The bill is being covered by a grant the Economic Development Commission was awarded.

Meanwhile, the council named a new member to the Heritage Preservation Commission on a 4-0 vote with Mayor Brandon Weiberg absent.  Angel Hill resident Monty Helm was appointed..

Election judges were also appointed. The list was supplied by clerk Sherrie Thomasen.   Judges are compensated $15 per hour for training and election day duty.

Trees that need to come down were on the agenda. Public Works Liaison Council member Tim Grote said there was one that appeared to be an imminent hazard so he gave early okay for spending about $700. The other tree is estimated at about $1,800 to be removed.

Work is being performed by Lawrence Creek Contracting.

Council agreed to schedule three budget sessions in order to have a draft ready to submit to the county by September, so property tax statements can be estimated and mailed.  Grote explained he just adjusted the budget by a three percent increase as someplace to start discussions.   The budget work sessions schedule will be announced later.

On the topic of finances, former city council member Troy Aanonsen asked about fiscal concerns he has during open mic.  He pointed to the shortfall projected in the General Fund.

Council responded that the negative balance is due to late distribution of property tax proceeds from the county and a reduction in Local Government Aid sent by the state. Council member Robert Bayer also said Taylors Falls relocated its accounts as of 2026 and deposits of tax distributions were slightly delayed. All in all, the city policy of maintaining a 30 percent annual expenditures fund balance, is still the policy and before the end of this month any red ink in any funds should be addressed.  Council member Grote added the city is expecting approximately $400,000 to come in that are delayed and the gaps are far less than that.

Also, as a part of open microphone were comments from Geri Aanonsen about a mural project the Taylors Falls Community Coalition group is planning.  Proceeds from the Wannigan Days Lumberjack Breakfast will be used, so the aim is to not spend tax dollars.

Council member Carol Schumann explained that the mural should be considered a “mock-up” at this juncture and details are being worked out. 

The wall on the side of the county road that enters Taylors Falls past the city hall/fire hall is the preferred location for the mural.  There is a “pocket park” there at the intersection with  West Street.

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