Victoria MN Newspaper-City Scoop

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Stated Mr. Uram, "I put a call to the City Managers Association, for anyone who has built a metal building. I got no response, except from some smaller rural places that are constructing smaller metal buildings."

Mr. Sheehan spoke of the proposed site for the Public Works building at 8099 Bavaria Road. "It is anything but flat," he said. "There is more topography than first glance." He said the cost of dirt work is less than what would have been required at the 94-acre city-owned site in Laketown Township, but still sizeable.

Councilmember Lani Basa said if the city refuses to raise taxes for important projects while the school district and county continue to raise taxes, "we'll never do anything."

Mr. Uram pointed out that with a $6 million project, city taxes on a median valued home ($306,900 for 2014) would increase by $32 in 2015. With a $7 million project they would increase by $48 -- which means a difference of $16.

After the city's Capital Facilities Fund (which currently has $1.8 million) is depleted in 2020, the city's tax on a median value home would increase by $110 with a $6 million project. It would increase by $124 with a $7 million project -- which means a difference of $14.

Said Mr. Uram about the proposed 20-year bond, "This is a snapshot in time. As the city grows, the amount of taxes per home for this bond is decreased."

Said Councilmember Crowley, "You're doing a good sales job. Everybody, including the school district, is trying to raise taxes."

"What's the driving factor?" asked Mr. Uram. "Is it the $6 million cap?"

Said Mayor O'Connor, "We've come a long way, if the tax increase is $14 out through the end of the decade. The original project wasn't burdened with land cost. Maybe we should sell the 94 acres to relieve the burden of land cost."

Last year, the city-owned 94 acres in Laketown Township was designated for a new Public Works Building, while the city-owned parcel next to the Post Office in downtown Victoria was proposed for a new City Hall.

In July 2013, the city had two new options on properties that are not city-owned. The city now has a purchase agreement for 10 acres for the new Public Works site on Bavaria Road (tree farm) at a cost of $70,000 per acre plus $72,810. That property is owned by the Hartman Tree Farm.

The city also has a swap proposal for property along the LRT across from the Victoria House and Vic's Bar & Grill. That parcel is owned by Hartman Communities.

There is also the option of a land swap between Hartman and the City of Victoria, whereby Hartman would acquire the city-owned parcels next to the Post Office in exchange for the parcel at Stieger Lake Lane.

With the Hartman property near the LRT trail, Mr. Uram pointed out there would be an adjacent parcel the city could pursue for a library. He added, "Financing costs will be going up, not down."

Said Councilmember Strigel, "If we don't build a library with the City Hall, it's a waste to build it downtown."

Countered Mayor O'Connor, "Building a City Hall any place other than downtown is a waste."

Asked Councilmember Basa, "What is the tolerance level of the people? The longer we wait, the more expensive it's going to be to get the money."

Said City Engineer Cara Geheren, "Victoria has added city streets, sewer, a water treatment plant, trails, a lift station. You are getting bigger and these things need to be maintained."

Said Mr. Uram, "We've deferred the needed buildings for a number of years already ... From my perspective, the $6 million budget is short. We are also short Public Works employees and Public Works equipment." He suggested the possibility of constructing only one building at this time and leasing space for the second facility, adding, "Leasing gives us some flexibility."

Mayor O'Connor stated, "If the stars aren't aligned now to build and fix strategic problems ... We're at a recommended $6.6 million. If we sell the 94 acres for a half million, we're down to $6.1 million. Then $900,000 for a library means we could go to bonding for $7 million."

"I support that," said Councilmember Basa.

"I need to think about it," said Councilmember Crowley. "I very clearly communicated $6 million."

"We don't want to present to the public anything that the council is not going to support," said Mr. Uram.

Chuck Almhjeld, Victoria Public Works Superintendent, was asked about his preference. "My preference is the precast 18,000 square foot building. With a metal building you get mold behind the metal. A bobcat can put dents in the building."

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