City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Darrel Olson and Council Members Connie Lyscio, Zach Tabatt, Patrick Sundberg and Mark Cross were present. City Administrator Brad Chapulis, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Steele, Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek, Community Development Director Josh Doty, Police Chief Matt Maier, Public Works Director Trevor Walter and Assistant Finance Director Brenda Brooks were present. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. 2026 Budget Work Session Finance Director Vacinek presented an update to the 2026 proposed operating budget and provided the first review of the 2026 enterprise funds budget. Finance Director Vacinek explained there have been a few adjustments to the budget that have resulted in a $86,000 reduction. The council discussed the $175,000 in the general fund that can be used to further reduce the levy. Staff is proposing at 4.0% increase to 2026 water user fees, a 6.5% increase to 2026 sewer user fees, and a 8% increase to 2026 storm water user fees. No fee increases are proposed to the WAC or SAC fees. The last fee increase to the user fees was in 2024. The council consensus was to keep the 2026 levy at a 4.1% increase over 2025. ADJOURN MOTION by Council Member Lyscio, seconded by Council Member Tabatt to adjourn at 6:53 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Darrel Olson Kelly Steele Mayor Assistant City Administrator