The primary concern discussed at the meeting revolved around the police station’s location and associated costs. The city had previously relocated the police station to the Bakus Community Center following a temporary solution costing $75,000, equivalent to prior payments to the county. This move sparked public interest as it was intended to be a short-term measure while the city sought a permanent solution. Complicating matters, the Couta building, which the city previously sold for $1, became a topic of negotiation when Couta expressed a desire to move out, proposing a reacquisition price of $20,000. The city countered with an offer of $5,000, pending a thorough assessment of the building’s viability for police use.

An assessment conducted by Krauss Anderson revealed the Couta building’s poor condition, with renovation costs estimated at $4.6 million, compared to $35 million to $40 million for constructing a new police department of similar size. This stark financial revelation was met with concern from the city council and the public alike, as residents questioned the financial prudence of such expenditures given the city’s fiscal constraints.

Resident Susan Wga thanked the council and Chief Kek for clarifying the police station issue but highlighted a perceived disconnect between the council’s goals and financial realities. She questioned the dissolution of the lease with the county’s sheriff’s department and the focus on police services over a plan that would integrate fire and ambulance services as well. Eric Strand raised concerns about land acquisition for the police department, expressing skepticism about the county’s willingness to grant access, while Lois Lundine emphasized the financial burden on residents, calling for a clearer explanation of the project’s funding and its impact on taxpayers.

The council also navigated discussions regarding a long-term lease for police services with the county. The historical context of $75,000 annual payments to the county, without tangible benefits for the city, was a point of contention. Residents voiced concerns over the lack of a clear financial roadmap, especially with potential population decline and tax base erosion. The council acknowledged these worries, highlighting the necessity of a stable location for the police department as the current arrangement at Bakus is unsustainable.

Amidst these discussions, the council addressed the contentious jail project with the county. A proposed upfront payment of $819,100 for city participation was deemed untenable due to budget constraints. Additional costs related to remodeling and soft costs also remained undefined, prompting the city to delay commitments until the new mayor could engage in discussions. The county’s demand for increased rental fees from $775,000 to $2,884 further strained city-county relations, prompting calls for open communication and collaboration to resolve these issues.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming community events, such as a Thanksgiving meal at the Elks and updates on police and fire department activities. A new mandate from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regarding storm sewer compliance was also introduced. The council expressed gratitude to residents for their participation.