Pool Director for 2022 Season
The City of Wabasha is seeking to hire a Pool Director for the 2022 Operating Season. This employee directs various employees including lifeguards and concessions. Duties also include scheduling training for all lifeguards, and scheduling and coordinating swimming lessons, and reporting maintenance needs to the Public Works Director. This person follows all state laws, regulations, and procedures on swimming pool operations. Pay dependent upon qualifications. For more questions or to pick up an application, contact City Hall at 651-565-4568 or Public Works at 651-565-3404. Application period shall run until position is filled.
Ice Skating Rink & Warming House Open is now for the season
Beginning Tuesday, January 4, 2022, the Wabasha ice skating rink is now open along with the warming house. Warming house hours are 1PM-9PM for the Ice Skating Rink ONLY. The hockey rink will remain closed, as there is still work to be done to that area. Please spread the word so everyone can enjoy some ice skating while weather permits! Thank you – Wabasha Public Works
Council Workshop & Regular City Council Meeting
Just a reminder, the City Council Meeting & Council Workshop have been combined into one meeting and will be virtual only, meeting begins at 6:30pm.
Meeting ID: 823 3949 5094
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Proposed City Franchise Fee
The City of Wabasha is working with Xcel Energy to potentially implement a Franchise Fee on gas and electric customers. The City Council will make a final decision at its January 4, 2022 Council Meeting.
Xcel Energy has more than 357 franchise agreements in Minnesota. They are a common way for a city to raise revenue. Funds raised through the implementation of a Franchise Fee will go directly to the City of Wabasha Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is used to fund the purchase of critical Capital Equipment for the City of Wabasha including squad cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and snowplows. It also helps fix streets and sidewalks as seen in these pictures below. Want to know more about what the City of Wabasha CIP funds, CLICK HERE for a slideshow presentation.
What does the franchise fee mean for residents?
Utility companies (Excel Energy) have the right to pass franchise fees on to their customers. The utility companies collect the franchise fees and remit them to the City. The franchise fee is proposed at $1 per month, per account, on a residential gas bill and $2 fee per month, per account, on residential electric bills. The means that residential utility customers would see total fees at $3 per month. Commercial rates will vary based on the account class but are anticipated to be a total of $8 per month (for gas and electrical) for smaller businesses and $20 per month (for gas and electric, $10 each) for larger businesses.
Why is the City discussing a Franchise Fee?
The proposed fees will generate approximately $76,000 in revenue annually that will help the City cover unfunded costs in its Capital Improvement Budget related to repairing city streets, sidewalks, equipment replacement for public safety, sidewalks, parks, etc. On average, the City needs at least $150,000 per year for the next 5 years to cover basic capital costs not paid for from taxes, special assessments, and other funding sources. Franchise fees will help offset the costs without increasing property taxes.
Why are franchise fees a better option than increasing the tax levy?
Utility franchise fees would apply to all utility customers in the city regardless of whether they pay property taxes. This includes non-profit organizations, schools, churches, and government customers. Thus, the fees are distributed more equally than property taxes. For example, all those who use streets would help pay for them.
Why not stop funding Capital Improvement Requests?
If streets aren’t fixed, due to lack of financial resources, this sets the City up for a more expensive bill in the future, along with damage to vehicles due to potholes. Equipment replacement requests ensure that our police officers, fire fighters, EMS can respond to emergencies in vehicles that work, and public works can plow our streets or sweep them with reliable equipment. Actively maintaining streets and parks assures residents and visitors alike that the City is well cared for and well managed.
What other cities nearby have franchise fees? Lake City, Winona, and Goodview, MN also have franchise fees.
You may submit written comments to: cityadmin@wabasha.org or finance@wabasha.org
2021 COVID-19 HVAC Replacement Grant Program now available
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Wabasha is launching a program to help small, local businesses prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Coronavirus by making COVID-19 related improvements to their buildings and businesses, such as HVAC improvements that improve air circulation. These activities will create long-term pandemic resiliency for Wabasha’s local businesses.
Funding Source
HUD Community Development Block Grant, through State of Minnesota, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Funding Amounts
Up to $19,000 with matching funds by business highly encouraged, but not required.
Application Period
Initial applications will be accepted until January 17, 2022, at 4PM to finance@wabasha.org
Basic Eligibility
- For-profit business located in City of Wabasha with less than 50 employees
- Applicant is 51% + majority owner of business
- Provide evidence that new HVAC system will help business respond to COVID-19
- Not in bankruptcy, current with all local, state, and federal taxes, fees, and any other debt payments to the City of Wabasha
Eligible Costs
HVAC Replacement (labor and equipment), matching funds may be used towards other improvements that will help the business respond to COVID-19
Basic Terms
- Funds will be disbursed directly to contractor after receiving evidence of completed work.
- Allow City of Wabasha to collect income and demographic data from applicants and their employees.
- Requires City building permits are pulled and City Inspections.
- Property owner must submit plans and elevations with approved application and the applicant must receive approval from the State Historical Society before beginning work.
- Environmental Review by City before starting work.
- Work completed within 6 months after receiving notice to proceed from City.
Application Process
An application can be found below. In addition to the application, the following documents are required:
- Most recent IRS 1040 Form
- Business operating agreement (for multiple owners)
- Income and conflict of interest self-certification form (included in the application)
- Liability insurance (or ability to obtain)
- DUNS Number-If you don’t already have one, go here to get one: https://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html
- Photographs of building, manufacturers specification sheet, map of project location, simple sketch, or conceptual drawings
Application Review
Applicants will be reviewed by City staff and scored according to the scoring matrix found in the guidelines here. Top scoring applications will be funded first until all funding is exhausted.
For a complete overview of this program and to apply visit our HVAC Replacement Program page CLICK HERE
City Council Meeting will be Zoom Only-Tuesday December 7th at 7PM
The Wabasha City Council meeting will be held virtually only this Tuesday, December 7th. Members of the public can participate in the meeting via Zoom. To join the Zoom meeting at 7pm click the Zoom link here
To dial in by phone: 1-312-626-6799, Meeting ID: 823 3949 5094
To be in listen-only mode, watch it live on our YouTube Channel WabashaMinnesota
Council will take public comment at the start of the meeting. The public can comment on the budget at that time. There will also be a public hearing on a proposed franchise fee. For the complete council agenda packet, click here
2022 Proposed Budget Information
Are you interested in learning more about the City of Wabasha’s budget? The 2022 proposed budget is now published on the City’s website! Click here to learn more. 2022 Budget Link
Proposed Property Tax Statements for 2022
The City of Wabasha was informed that the recently issued Proposed Property Tax Statements for 2022 do not reflect accurately the WK School District’s portion of the taxes for their proposed levy. The Wabasha County Auditor’s Office will be issuing corrected statements in the coming weeks.
Wabasha Housing Rehab Program
Need help making improvements to your home and live in this target area? The City of Wabasha has partnered with SEMMCHRA to help homeowners make repairs on their homes, such as roofing, siding, plumbing, electrical, insulation. The homeowners must be income qualified and live in the targeted area in Wabasha. They will make no payments on the loan until the home is sold or transferred. Click here for more information. (Applicants outside the area may apply but would be on a waiting list).
What does income qualified mean?
Maximum annual income per year by household size:
- 1 -person household ($45,500)
- 2 people ($52,000)
- 3 people ($58,500)
- 4 people ($64,950)
Full-Time EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
Position Requirements
The City of Wabasha is seeking a Full-Time Emergency Medical Technician – (EMT). The EMT serves as a member of the primary care team of the ambulance service. The EMT provides direct patient care, medical transport, public outreach and education, equipment checks and maintenance, station maintenance and housekeeping, and other related duties as required. The EMT in addition fills a leadership role as directed by the Ambulance Director and in the absence of the Director. While the EMT reports to the Ambulance Director, the EMT is expected to work with minimal direct supervision.
Minimum requirements
High School diploma or equivalent. Current Minnesota State EMT certification and National Registry EMT or AEMT certification. Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license (minimum equivalent to a Minnesota Class “D” driver’s license.) Driver’s motor vehicle record must meet requirements set forth in Employee Handbook and insurability of auto insurance provider. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (or equivalent). Complete and maintain EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course) training certificate or equivalent.
Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application and Selection Process
Please submit a resume along with the completed application and return to City Hall.
Mailing Address: City of Wabasha, PO Box 268, Wabasha, MN 55981
You can also obtain an application at City Hall, 900 Hiawatha Drive East, Wabasha, MN 55981
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, and reprisal. The City of Wabasha is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Position Open Until Filled
Posting Date: November 15, 2021