HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250902 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
September 2, 2025
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Tuesday, September
2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Volunteer Room at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street,
Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Beck, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld,
Pemble, and Vihrachoff
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Finance Manager Chris Eitemiller
Assistant Finance Manager Ashley DeBernardi
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:30 pm and welcomed council members and
staff for discussion about the 2026 Budget. Eitemiller provided an overview of the presentation
of the 2026 budget, including key changes, revenues and expenses, and projected CIP/CEP
investments.
The budget includes a recommended 8.4% levy increase for 2026, which translates into $162 on
a median value home. Levy projections for cities in Dakota County range from 5% to 19%.
Eitemiller reviewed the historical tax rates for the city and noted that a 1% levy equates to
approximately $217,299.
Eitemiller reviewed key expenses: planned changes in personnel, estimated 20% increase in
employee health insurance, union contract settlement, and wage scale steps. Additionally, there
are inflationary increases across the city for software, hardware, materials and supplies. Council
clarification on union contracts and health insurance.
CIP/CEP Investments
Infrastructure investments include Well 9 and pumphouse, neighborhood project, mill and
overlay gate valve replacements and sewer trunk lining/cleaning. Asset Management projects
include Public Works roof repair, Vet’s Park lighting, parks/trail work, plow truck, and fleet
vehicle replacement.
Eitemiller gave the Utilities overview with projected increases in rates: phasing of additional
water rate increases over the next year by 10% every 6 months; sewer 4.5%; and stormwater 4%.
Utility capital item investments include the Eastern Water Treatment plant, utilities portion of the
neighborhood project, sewer rehabilitations, Well # 9/pump house, SCADA upgrade and sewer
lift station and pump controls.