2025.12.02 Special City Council Meeting MinutesSPECIAL OTSEGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025
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OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
Call to Order:
Mayor Stockamp called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Roll Call:
Mayor Jessica Stockamp and Councilmembers: Ryan Dunlap, Michelle Lund, and Corey Tanner.
City Staff: City Administrator/Finance Director Adam Flaherty, City Planner Dan Licht, and City
Clerk Audra Etzel. Absent: Councilmember Tina Goede.
1. 2026 Budgets and Property Tax Levy —Truth in Taxation.
A. Truth in Taxation Presentation by City Administrator/Finance Director.
B. Public Input
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty presented the 2026 Truth in Taxation
Presentation.
Mayor Stoclamp opened for Public Comment at 6:22 PM.
Mary Barthelemy, 7589 Odell Lane NE expressed her concern for the citizens and the process of
approving funds; she would like a fiscally responsible Council.
Isabelle Grimm, no address provided, noted Councilmember Goede was absent.
Flaherty addressed a few of the comments and questions from the first public comment on
market value impacts, use of fund balance, cost of living adjustment percentages, and water
utility capital projects and financing.
Riley Lemay, 11356 71st Street NE, noted the deterioration of the roads and asked if the City
has considered a single garbage hauler contract.
Flaherty commented this is something the City Council could explore if they desired and noted
the City would then need to budget accordingly and would be responsible for billing for the
services.
Isabelle Grimm, no address provided, asked about the cost -of -living adjustment of 4.00%.
Flaherty discussed the sources of data the City Council reviewed to determine the cost -of -living
adjustment.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 21 2025
CM Dunlap said several residents reach out to him regarding the marl<et value exclusion; he
noted 256 homes lost their exclusion for 2026. CM Dunlap discussed the other Wright County
Preliminary Tax Levies, adding other cities have more commercial/industrial properties. CM
Dunlap feels the Fire Department is the only reason the budget has increased and the budget is
unaffordable.
Mary Barthelemy, 7589 Odell Lane NE asked during the public comment, why staff are receiving
a 4% COLA, and why is the City moving forward with the massive Fire Department and staffing.
Mayor Stockamp said the City is looking at the staffing model and is waiting for feedback from
the consultant. Ms. Barthelemy would like a bridge to understanding with the residents.
Stephen Shea, 9244 Kaiser Circle NE appreciates CM Dunlap's information and wants to Know
when the Fire Station can be cancelled. CM Dunlap said the Fire Station can be stopped.
Flaherty said there are two components to the Fire Department, the construction and financing
are an obligation, and the staffing is still under review. Mr. Shea wants to Know if there is a
back-up plan. CM Dunlap feels the building could be a very expensive substation and thinks
there are other options; there is also the option not to pay the lease payment. CM Lund
addressed other concerns and costs if the construction is stopped.
Charles Landon, 14400 89th Street NE has been a resident for 54 years and wants to know why
the City needs a Fire Department and feels the residents should have been able to vote.
Flaherty said the final budgets and property tax levy should be considered for adoption by the
City Council on December 8, 2025.
Mayor Stocl<amp closed the Public Comment at 7:00 PM.
2. Adjourn.
CM Tanner motioned to adjourn at 7:00 PM, seconded by CM Lou"d. All in favor. Motion
carried 4-0.
Minutes prepared by City Clerk, Audra Etzel.
City of Otsego:
e
Audra Etzei; City Clerk
Je§pica Stockamp, Mayor
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