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Home My WebLink About10-06-2025 City Council Work Session Meeting Packet CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers Connie Buesgens Rachel James Justice Spriggs Laurel Deneen City Manager Aaron Chirpich City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, October 06, 2025 6:30 PM AGENDA ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in -person, or by using Microsoft Teams columbiaheightsmn.gov/joinameeting Meeting at ID 271 361 336 2025, Passcode sd66JM7R. For questions, please contact Administration at 763-706-3610. Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is made at least 72 hours in advance, Please contact Administration at 763 - 706-3610 to make arrangements. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Columbia Heights City Council and Staff Norms. While we are accountable to each other for these norms, the Mayor and City Manager will help us adhere to them with respectful reminders and reinforcement as needed. WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Group Ice Breaker. Presented by Mayor Márquez Simula If you could have another career, what would it be and why? 2. Franchise Fee Updates. (10 Minutes) Presented by City Manager Aaron Chirpich. 3. 2025 Budget Presentations by Division. (Estimated Time 2 hours) 1. Recreation: Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director. 2. Police: Chief Matt Markham and Deputy Chief Erik Johnston. 3. Information Technology: Jesse Hauf, IT Director. 4. Library: Renee Dougherty, Library Director. 5. Fire: Chief Dan O'Brien, Assistant Chief Brad Roddy. The City divisions not listed above will provide budget presentations at the November work session. 1 City of Columbia Heights AGENDA October 06, 2025 City Council Work Session Meeting Page 2 4. Council Corner. Monthly Calendar Sharing Monthly Event Notification, Attendance and Past Event Updates Monthly Proclamations and Meeting Guests Discussion Items Suggested by Mayor and Council: Tenants Rights Request for Ordinance Regarding Unlawful Detention ADJOURNMENT Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements. 2 Columbia Heights City Council and Staff Norms While we are accountable to each other for these norms, the Mayor and City Manager will help us adhere to them with respectful reminders and reinforcement as needed. Behavioral Norms 1. We will assume others best intentions. 2. We will exercise humility. 3. We will praise publicly and criticize privately. 4. We will focus on the policy and not personalities. 5. We will do our best to de-escalate contentious interactions. 6. We will provide reasonable notice to the Mayor and City Manager of any changes or additions we wish to make at a Council meeting so that the Mayor is prepared to manage the meeting. 7. We will show respect for one another by: a. Paying attention to others when they are speaking. b. Not interrupting others. c. Listening to understand others, not simply to respond to them. d. Honoring each other in public and protecting one another in their absence. e. Not bullying others. Operational Norms 1. Council members and staff will respect the Mayor’s role to chair our meetings by: a. Waiting to be called on before speaking so that others can consider our contributions. b. The Mayor and City Manager will bring closure to policy discussions, public comment, and other similar “final word” situations. 2. Once a decision has been made by the Council, we will support the implementation of that decision even if we did not support the decision itself. 3. If Council has a request of staff, they will direct their request to the City Manager and the Division Director for coordination with staff unless the City Manager decides otherwise. 4. If Council has a question about a staff member, they will raise that with the City Manager privately before raising it publicly. 5. When Council is considering a topic, it is incumbent upon Council members to ask sufficient questions to ensure they are making informed decisions. 6. Council and staff will address each other by their titles when engaging each other in any official capacity and will use first names in informal settings. 3 ITEM: Group Ice Breaker. DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Mayor / October 1, 2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) _Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity _High Quality Public Spaces _Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone _Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking _Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community If you could have another career, what would it be and why? CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION MEETING DATE OCTOBER 6, 2025 4 Item 1. ITEM: Franchise Fee Update DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: City Manager – October 1, 2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) _Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity X High Quality Public Spaces _Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone _Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking _Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND At the April 2025 work session, the Council discussed the enactment of franchise fees for gas and electric utility providers in the City of Columbia Heights. Historically, the City has not levied franchise fees on gas and electric utility companies, which has resulted in a missed opportunity to generate revenue for local projects and services. The imposition of franchise fees for these utilities has become standard practice for several cities of similar size and structure to Columbia Heights, leaving the City at a competitive disadvantage. At the April work session, the Council expressed support for the implementation of gas and electric franchise fees and directed staff to take the steps necessary to implement the fees as part of the 2026 budget preparation process. SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS Since the April work session, staff have been working with CenterPoint Energy, Xcel Energy, and Ehlers (the City’s public finance consultants) to further refine the proposed fee structures for both utilities. Franchise fees can be derived in a few ways. The most common form of fee is the monthly flat fee. Often municipalities prefer the flat fee as both the most transparent option for the account holder and the most predictable revenue source for City. Included in the attachments, is a memo outlini ng the various fees being charged in cities across the seven-county metropolitan service area. Much like property taxes, different fees are assigned to each type of property classification; residential, commercial and industrial. At the time of the April work session, staff suggested that if the City were to levy median fees comparable to the region for both utilities, the City could comfortably generate $700,000+ annually in franchise fees between the two utilities. Following the work session, staff were able to further refine fee estimates by receiving more detailed user classification data from both utilities. When applying the regional median fee methodology to the user accounts for the City of Columbia Heights, the following monthly fee structures are realized: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEMS MEETING DATE OCTOBER 6, 2025 5 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2 The table below represents the monthly and annual cost to residents and businesses (top 3 tiers) for both utilities. User Type Monthly Flat Fee Fee X 2 Utilities Annual Payment Residential $4.00 $8.00 $96.00 C&I (tier 1) $6.00 $12.00 $144.00 C&I (tier 2) $28.00 $56.00 $672.00 C&I (tier3) $112.00 $224.00 $2,688.00 When the median fee approach is applied to the number of users in each classification, the City has the potential to generate approximately $1,137,432 annually between both utilities. This number is slightly larger than originally estimated due to the receipt of more detailed account information from the utilities. It is worth noting that there are more eclectic utility accounts than gas, since not all properties in the Ci ty utilize gas. It is also important to note that the utilities do not share user account data for classifications that have less than four individual users. Additionally, the utilities do not share what specific properties fall into each user classification. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommend moving forward with the fee structure as presented above. If the Council is agreeable with this approach, staff will present the first reading of both fee enactment ordinances at the October 14 th City Council meeting. With this timeline in mind, both utilities have indicated that fees could begin to be collected by February of 2026. Payment to the City is remitted quarterly by each utility provider. ATTACHMENT(S)  Ehler’s Memo on Regional Fees 6 Item 2. MEMORANDUM TO: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director FROM: Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers DATE: April 7, 2025 SUBJECT: Franchise Fees for Electric and Gas Utilities Recently, the City Council and staff expressed an interest in exploring a Franchise Fee (the “Fee”) to support capital projects and similar needs for the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”). Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 216B.36, a municipality may require a public utility to obtain a license, permit or franchise to operate on public property. Under this statutory authority, the City may also require public utilities to operate under certain regulations or terms, including the payment of a Fee. Most often, municipalities craft these arrangements as contracts, which the City Council then adopts as an ordinance. Generally, these franchises apply to electric and gas utility providers. The Fee itself may take different forms, most notably as 1) a flat monthly fee (most common), 2) a percentage of revenues, or 3) an amount per production unit (e.g., therm, kilowatt hour). Often municipalities prefer the flat fee as both the most transparent option for the account holder and the most predictable revenue source for City. Generally, the Fee applies to all public utility users, including tax-exempt properties, and the City may use the revenues for any public purpose. Many cities use the fees to pay for roads, park improvements or improvements to city facilities. The public utility will pass the Fee along to ratepayers directly, usually labeled on their bill as “City Fee.” Many metropolitan communities have a Fee in place (see listing by fee at the end of the memo), with the statistical data below: If the City Council decides to continue the discussion, Ehlers and City staff can work to determine accounts by type, options for fees to charge to meet the City’s objectives and financial forecasts. User Residential Small C&I Non-demand Small C&I Demand Large C&I Public Street Lighting Municipal Pumping Non- Demand Municipal Pumping Demand Median 3.69 5.13 24.00 103.00 6.10 3.25 6.25 Range (Min.)0.80 1.20 2.50 2.50 1.03 0.45 1.03 Range (Max.)7.00 17.00 63.00 340.00 17.51 17.51 65.00 Basic Statistics - Xcel Energy Electric Franchise Fees User Residential C&I-A C&I-B C&I-C SVDF-A SVDF-B LVDF Median 4.00 5.00 11.45 43.51 56.23 66.50 95.00 Range (Min.)1.50 1.74 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Range (Max.)7.00 12.00 40.00 180.00 258.00 340.34 991.62 Basic Statistics - Centerpointe Energy Gas Franchise Fees 7 Item 2. Municipality Residential Com-A Less than 1,500 therms/yr Com/Ind B 1,500 > or < 5,000 therms/yr Com/Ind C > 5,000 therms/yr Small Volume Dual Fuel A < 120,000 therms/yr SVDF B > 120,000 therms/yr Large Volume Firm & Dual Fuel >1,999 therms Peak Day Residential C&I-A C&I-B C&I-C SVDF-A SVDF-B LVDF Anoka 3.48 3.48 9.89 42.02 87.53 340.34 991.62 Big Lake 4.00 4.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 Bloomington 5.95 11.90 11.90 63.00 63.00 63.00 182.00 Brooklyn Center 1.66 1.74 5.63 22.50 56.23 107.96 107.96 Brooklyn Park 7.00 6.50 20.00 70.00 160.00 160.00 160.00 Burnsville 4.00 12.00 40.00 180.00 180.00 180.00 180.00 Centerville 4.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 Champlin 3.98 3.98 10.78 45.33 90.67 158.66 158.66 Chanhassen 5.00 5.00 9.00 20.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 Chaska 2.70 2.85 8.60 39.50 140.00 315.00 715.00 Dayton 4.00 7.00 20.00 65.00 152.00 155.00 200.00 Deephaven 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Eagan 1.85 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 20.00 Eden Prairie 4.00 5.00 12.50 55.00 55.00 55.00 55.00 Edina 3.55 6.00 17.00 71.00 71.00 71.00 71.00 Elk River 4.00 4.00 16.00 50.00 70.00 70.00 70.00 Excelsior 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Golden Valley 6.00 7.50 30.00 30.00 258.00 258.00 258.00 Hopkins 3.50 3.50 8.75 24.70 48.55 170.50 170.50 Isanti 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Lexington 4.00 6.50 40.00 170.00 ——— Long Lake 4.00 4.00 25.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 Minnetonka 4.50 4.50 13.50 45.00 45.00 45.00 45.00 Mound 4.00 12.00 30.00 145.00 4.00 —— New Hope 3.00 4.00 11.00 38.00 74.00 83.00 164.00 Oakdale 1.50 5.00 5.00 8.00 17.00 17.00 17.00 Otsego 4.00 5.00 20.00 60.00 80.00 80.00 100.00 Plymouth 2.52 3.79 12.65 50.61 50.61 50.61 50.61 Prior Lake 5.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 30.00 30.00 150.00 Richfield 5.10 5.10 16.50 41.15 41.15 41.15 259.00 Rogers 4.00 7.00 20.00 70.00 148.00 148.00 800.00 Shorewood 4.00 4.00 10.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 St. Louis Park 6.75 6.75 12.00 48.50 48.50 48.50 148.50 Woodbury 1.75 10.00 10.00 100.00 90.00 90.00 55.00 Centerpointe Energy - Gas Franchise Fees 8 Item 2. City Residential Small C&I Non- demand Small C&I Demand Large C&I Public Street Lighting Municipal Pumping Non- Demand Municipal Pumping Demand Big Lake 4.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 ——— Bloomington 5.95 11.90 63.00 182.00 ——— Brooklyn Center 1.65 4.25 22.75 103.00 13.50 13.50 13.50 Brooklyn Park 7.00 7.50 45.00 160.00 ——— Burnsville 4.00 12.00 40.00 180.00 ——— Centerville 4.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 ——— Champlin 3.62 9.80 41.21 144.24 17.51 17.51 17.51 Chanhassen 5.00 14.00 40.00 290.00 ——— Circle Pines 2.75 3.00 35.00 —3.00 —— Dayton 4.00 12.00 45.00 200.00 16.00 16.00 16.00 Deephaven 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 ——— Eagan 1.85 10.00 10.00 20.00 ——— Eden Prairie 6.50 8.50 20.50 89.50 ——— Edina 3.55 6.00 17.00 71.00 ——— Excelsior 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Falcon Heights 2.25 3.50 22.00 200.00 2.00 —— Golden Valley 6.00 6.00 30.00 258.00 ——— Inver Grove Heights 2.75 3.00 25.00 95.00 ——— Landfall Village 2.25 4.75 14.00 65.00 15.50 —— Lexington 4.00 6.50 40.00 170.00 ——— Little Canada 2.75 5.25 40.00 230.00 15.50 2.00 3.00 Long Lake 4.00 6.00 40.00 160.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 Mahtomedi 1.30 1.38 14.40 110.28 12.71 0.63 14.84 Maplewood 3.00 4.75 30.00 180.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 Minnetonka 4.50 4.50 13.50 45.00 —4.50 4.50 Mound 4.00 12.00 30.00 145.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 New Brighton 3.00 4.50 28.00 185.00 ——— New Hope 4.00 7.00 31.00 135.00 ——— Newport 1.00 1.50 14.00 70.00 5.00 1.00 10.00 Oakdale 1.50 3.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 2.00 8.00 Osseo 1.28 2.07 17.57 102.65 6.20 0.45 2.55 Otsego 4.00 5.00 40.00 95.00 ——— Plymouth 2.52 3.79 12.65 50.61 ——— Richfield 5.10 17.00 41.25 263.00 ——— Rogers 5.00 7.00 45.00 210.00 17.00 12.00 65.00 Shoreview 3.75 5.00 36.00 340.00 ——— Shorewood 4.00 8.00 10.00 25.00 ——— Spring Lake Park 0.80 1.20 8.50 50.00 ——— St. Michael 3.50 2.50 2.50 10.00 10.00 2.50 10.00 Vadnais Heights 4.00 6.00 26.00 120.00 ——— Wayzata 2.06 4.64 4.64 15.45 1.03 1.03 1.03 Woodbury 3.25 3.50 23.00 90.00 ——— Xcel Energy - Electric Franchise Fees 9 Item 2. ITEM: 2025 Budget Presentations by Division. (Estimated Time 2 hours) DEPARTMENT: Multiple BY/DATE: Joseph Kloiber, Finance Director / September 30, 2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) X Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity X High Quality Public Spaces X Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone X Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking X Resilient and Prosperous Economy X Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND For the October work session, highlights of the departmental level budget information included within the City Manager’s 2026 Proposed Budget (available on the City website and attached) by each of the divisions listed below. The format will be a mix of oral and PowerPoint presentations which are approximately 20 minutes each, including ample opportunity throughout for council questions and comments. SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS The planned order of these presentations is: 1. Recreation 2. Police 3. Information Technology 4. Library 5. Fire The City divisions not listed above will provide budget presentations at the November work session. ATTACHMENT(S) City Manager’s 2026 Proposed Budget CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM MEETING DATE OCTOBER 6, 2025 10 Item 3. City Manager’s Proposed 2026 Budget (Including budget and levy recommendations) 11 Item 3. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY MANAGER’S 2026 BUDGET MESSAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary Budget Information City Manager’s Budget Message.......................................................................................................... 1 Five-year Financial Plan for Tax-Supported Funds ................................................................................ 4 Proposed Local Taxpayer Monthly Share of City Tax on Median Value Home ...................................... 5 Proposed Monthly City Utility Bill for Typical Household of Four ......................................................... 6 Property Taxes 2017-2026................................................................................................................... 7 Tax-Supported Operating Expenditures ............................................................................................... 8 Summary by Fund (all budgeted funds of City, EDA, HRA) .................................................................... 9 Resolution 2025-068 Proposed Budget for 2026 ................................................................................ 11 Detailed Budget Information Administration .................................................................................................................................. 13 Community Development ................................................................................................................. 22 Finance ............................................................................................................................................. 32 Fire ................................................................................................................................................... 40 Information Technology .................................................................................................................... 46 Library............................................................................................................................................... 49 Liquor ............................................................................................................................................... 51 Police ................................................................................................................................................ 56 Engineering & Facilities ..................................................................................................................... 60 Public Works ..................................................................................................................................... 74 Recreation ...................................................................................................................................... 107 Bonds .............................................................................................................................................. 114 12 Item 3. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY MANAGER’S 2026 BUDGET MESSAGE Recommendation The city manager recommends that the City Council approve the proposed 2026 budget and levy listed in the enclosed resolution. Key elements of this proposed budget are summarized below. Financial Plan The proposed 2026 budget is consistent with the City’s enclosed five-year financial plan. That plan is designed to: Provide for expected inflation in the cost of existing service levels. Increase service levels only for approved objectives or external mandates. Avoid the use of state aid to local government (LGA) in the operating budget, limiting its use to capital outlays and debt service on major capital projects. This strategy reduces the exposure of on-going basic City services to potential changes in state funding over which residents have little control. Levy property taxes at the minimum level necessary to support the above strategies, while trying to avoid one-time spikes up or down in property taxes. Governmental Funds Revenue To fund the tax-supported portion of the proposed 2026 budget, and to meet the minimum fund balance guideline set by council resolution 95-40, the gross property tax levy for 2026 will require a 9.2% increase over 2025. The City’s gross tax levy includes both the share of taxes paid by local taxpayers and the share subsidized by the metro area fiscal disparities program. Anoka County preliminary data shows the metro area fiscal disparities subsidy increasing by 13% for 2026. This will result in local taxpayers to paying a proportionately smaller share of the proposed 2026 tax increase. Effectively an 8.2% average increase in City property taxes for local taxpayers. Of course, the 2026 property taxes for any particular property in Columbia Heights is dependent on relative changes in individual property values as well. In November, Anoka County will mail a property-specific notice of the proposed 2026 property taxes to each property owner. In 2026, the City will receive approximately $2,640,000 in state aid to local government (LGA). Under the five-year financial plan, none of this LGA is used within the 2026 operating budget. $500,000 of the LGA is applied to annual debt service on the public safety and library buildings. The remaining LGA is allocated between the city’s capital funds for buildings, equipment, and infrastructure. Without this LGA, these capital items would otherwise be paid for with increased property taxes. Governmental Funds Operating Expenses The proposed 2026 increase to the tax-supported operating expenses of the governmental funds is 8.2% or $1,664,000. Two-thirds of this increase or $1,109,000 is in personnel – always the largest category of the operating budget. The proposed increase in personnel includes cost-of- living increases of just over 4% in current labor agreements, seniority step raises of 3.3% for staff that have not yet reached the top salary range for their position (partially offset by turnover in 1 13 Item 3. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY MANAGER’S 2026 BUDGET MESSAGE some positions); and one additional full-time position each in the Police, Community Development, and Engineering divisions (partially offset by elimination of one part-time clerical position.) The remainder of the proposed increase in tax-supported operating expenses are non-personnel costs of $555,000. The largest element of this is $213,000 for public safety, primarily in the areas of technology, protective gear and professional services. The next largest element is an $80,000 increase to funding for economic development programs. Fund Balance of the General Fund For day-to-day cash flow purposes, by Resolution 95-40 the City Council established a minimum fund balance guideline for the general fund and library funds at each year end, equal to 45% of the next year’s budget. The proposed 2026 budget provides the necessary resources for the City to meet this guideline. Utility Funds By Resolution 2025-040, the City Council adopted customer utility rates for water, sewer, and refuse, for the years 2025-2027. For the 2026 budget, that resolution established a rate increase of approximately 4.4% for water, sewer, and refuse, combined. A family of four using a quarterly average of 5,000 gallons of water per person, in a single-family home with full-service refuse, would see their quarterly bills increase by $19 for 2026. Various repairs and improvements to utility infrastructure are included in the 2026 budget and continue from the 2025 budget, including: Replacement of the sewer lift station at Sullivan Lake using $800,000 of sewer revenues. Upsize the sewer main at Sullivan Lake using $450,000 of redeveloper funds when available. Adding a water main loop at Sullivan Lake using $200,000 of redeveloper funds when available. Replacement of the sewer lift station at 44th Ave NE using $750,000 of redeveloper funds when available. Capital Fund Activity The 2026 budget reflects a new revenue source of gas and electric utility franchise fees collected by CenterPoint and Xcel Energy from their customers in the City and then remitted quarterly to the City. The addition of these franchise fees improves the ability to compare the City’s budget to the surrounding communities, substantially all of which utilize these franchise fees in their budgets. The annual amount is estimated at $800,000. Expected uses of this revenue are the street rehabilitation program and/or the municipal service center project. The proposed 2026 budget includes $690,000 for replacement of existing vehicles and equipment detailed in the individual departmental sections of the budget, as compared to $835,000 of vehicle and equipment replacement budgeted in 2025. 2 14 Item 3. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY MANAGER’S 2026 BUDGET MESSAGE Infrastructure improvements proposed for 2026 include: $700,000 of Sullivan Park improvements that are 50% grant funded. $225,000 for a soccer field. Reconstruction of the 40th Avenue county road from University Ave to Main street for which the City will contribute $400,000 of state street aid. Rehabilitation of various state streets in the City, for which the City will contribute $455,000 of state street aid and $600,000 from its general property levy. We note that using a portion of the general property tax levy for street improvements reflects a proposed change in policy. Prior to the 2026 budget, the local share of street improvements were funded by special assessments levied upon each property within a given project area. Moving the funding source for this from special assessments to taxes adds approximately $5 per month or $60 per year to the property taxes on the median value home ($278,700) in Columbia Heights for 2026. Engineering studies show the floor of the municipal service center (public works building) has a very limited number of years until it fails and will be too costly to replace. The only cost-effective solution is to replace the entire facility at an estimated cost of $25,000,000. The five-year financial plan addresses this with the expectation of: $400,000 in the 2026 budget for design of the replacement facility. $400,000 in the 2026 budget for the purchase of the adjacent Southern Anoka County Assistance (SACA) building to complete the project area. $20,000,000 of general obligation bonds issued 2027 for construction in 2027 and 2028. $4,200,000 of internal financing for the balance of the project costs. Annual debt service on the bonds is estimated at just under $2,000,000 per year if a 15-year repayment term is chosen. The debt service would be paid with a combination of property taxes, LGA, and utility revenue. On an on-going basis, the City is making requests for state and federal funding for half the cost of this project. This would according reduce the size of the required bond issue by roughly half. We also note that the City Council and community members have prioritized the rehabilitation of a substantial amount of the park infrastructure throughout the City, including an $8,000,000 reconstruction of the Murzyn Hall recreation center and adjacent portions of Huset Park, at such time as funding is available. In Conclusion I judge that the proposed 2026 budget and levy supports the vision, goals, and objectives of the Columbia Heights City Council, and is feasible within the financial constraints of the City of Columbia Heights and its citizens. Aaron Chirpich, City Manager 3 15 Item 3. CI T Y O F C O L U M B I A H E I G H T S FI V E - Y E A R F I N A N C I A L P L A N F O R T A X - S U P P O R T E D F U N D S Re v i s i o n d a t e 0 8 / 1 5 / 2 5 % C h a n g e i n G r o s s T a x L e v y 8. 4 % 9. 2 % 7. 0 % 7. 0 % 7. 0 % % C h a n g e i n O t h e r R e v e n u e 6. 7 % 9. 7 % 4. 0 % 3. 0 % 3. 0 % % C h a n g e i n O p e r a t i n g E x p e n s e 8. 7 % 8. 2 % 6. 0 % 5. 0 % 5. 0 % LG A U s e d f o r A n n u a l O p e r a t i o n s 40 0 , 0 0 0 - - - - LG A U s e d f o r A n n u a l D e b t S e r v i c e 40 0 , 0 0 0 50 0 , 0 0 0 50 0 , 0 0 0 1, 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 1, 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 LG A U s e d f o r C a p i t a l F u n d s 1, 8 2 4 , 0 0 0 2, 1 2 4 , 0 0 0 2, 1 5 1 , 0 0 0 1, 6 7 8 , 0 0 0 1, 7 0 5 , 0 0 0 Ge n e r a l F u n d O n e - T i m e T r a n s f e r - O u t - - - - - Ge n F u n d B a l a n c e a t 1 2 / 3 1 9, 4 8 9 , 0 0 0 9, 8 5 8 , 0 0 0 10 , 4 8 7 , 0 0 0 10 , 0 9 9 , 0 0 0 10 , 2 4 8 , 0 0 0 Ge n F u n d B a l a n c e a s % o f B u d g e t 47 % 46 % 46 % 43 % 41 % No t e : T h e d a t a a b o v e r e f l e c t s t h e t a x a m o u n t l a b e l e d a s " C i t y o r T o w n " o n a n n u a l p r o p e r t y t a x s t a t e m e n t s . T h i s i n c l u d e s t h e t a x l e v i e s f o r t h e C i t y , t h e L i b r a r y , t h e E D A , a n d d e b t s e r v i c e . Th e H R A s p e c i a l d i s t r i c t l e v y i s i n c l u d e d o n p r o p e r t y t a x s t a t e m e n t s w i t h i n t h e l i n e l a b e l e d a s " O t h e r S p e c i a l D i s t r i c t s " . T h e H R A l e v y i s n o t i n c l u d e d i n t h e d a t a a b o v e . - 3 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 6 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 9 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 1 2 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 1 5 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 1 8 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 2 1 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 2 4 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 2 7 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 3 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 3 3 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 20 2 5 2 0 2 6 2 0 2 7 2 0 2 8 2 0 2 9 LG A U s e d f o r O p e r a t i o n s & D e b t S v c Ot h e r R e v e n u e Gr o s s T a x L e v y : C i t y / E D A / L i b r a r y / D e b t Ta x - s u p p o r t e d : O p e r a t i n g E x p , D e b t S v c E x p & Ca p i t a l E x p 16 Item 3. 17 Item 3. 18 Item 3. Pr o p e r t y T a x e s 20 1 7 20 1 8 20 1 9 20 2 0 20 2 1 20 2 2 20 2 3 20 2 4 20 2 5 20 2 6 Ad o p t e d Ad o p t e d Ad o p t e d Ad o p t e d Ad o p t e d Ad o p t e d Ad o p t e d Ad o p t e d Pr o p o s e d Pr o p o s e d Li b r a r y 84 5 , 1 1 1 91 9 , 2 4 4 95 5 , 0 9 5 1 , 0 0 2 , 8 5 0 1 , 0 3 2 , 9 3 6 1 , 0 5 8 , 8 0 0 1 , 1 6 6 , 1 0 0 1 , 2 4 8 , 0 0 0 1 , 2 7 6 , 0 0 0 1 , 2 9 2 , 0 0 0 ED A 84 , 0 0 0 22 0 , 1 0 0 24 2 , 1 0 0 24 5 , 1 0 0 25 5 , 5 0 0 25 5 , 5 0 0 29 7 , 1 0 0 31 0 , 0 0 0 37 5 , 0 0 0 40 1 , 0 0 0 Ge n e r a l F u n d 8, 9 2 5 , 0 0 0 9 , 4 8 1 , 0 0 0 1 0 , 0 5 1 , 0 0 0 1 0 , 9 6 3 , 0 0 0 1 1 , 6 3 1 , 0 0 0 1 2 , 7 8 4 , 7 0 0 1 3 , 7 9 6 , 0 0 0 1 5 , 1 3 9 , 0 0 0 1 6 , 4 7 3 , 0 0 0 1 8 , 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 Su b t o t a l - O p e r a t i n g L e v y 9, 8 5 4 , 1 1 1 1 0 , 6 2 0 , 3 4 4 1 1 , 2 4 8 , 1 9 5 1 2 , 2 1 0 , 9 5 0 1 2 , 9 1 9 , 4 3 6 1 4 , 0 9 9 , 0 0 0 1 5 , 2 5 9 , 2 0 0 1 6 , 6 9 7 , 0 0 0 1 8 , 1 2 4 , 0 0 0 1 9 , 9 4 3 , 0 0 0 De b t L e v y 94 1 , 7 2 3 70 4 , 5 6 9 68 0 , 0 2 9 73 3 , 0 0 0 74 4 , 0 0 0 72 5 , 8 3 4 76 9 , 0 0 0 67 6 , 0 0 0 70 5 , 0 0 0 62 5 , 0 0 0 To t a l G r o s s L e v y C e r t i f i e d 10 , 7 9 5 , 8 3 4 1 1 , 3 2 4 , 9 1 3 1 1 , 9 2 8 , 2 2 4 1 2 , 9 4 3 , 9 5 0 1 3 , 6 6 3 , 4 3 6 1 4 , 8 2 4 , 8 3 4 1 6 , 0 2 8 , 2 0 0 1 7 , 3 7 3 , 0 0 0 1 8 , 8 2 9 , 0 0 0 2 0 , 5 6 8 , 0 0 0 Ch a n g e f r o m P r i o r Y e a r 34 0 , 0 7 9 52 9 , 0 7 9 60 3 , 3 1 1 1 , 0 1 5 , 7 2 6 71 9 , 4 8 6 1 , 1 6 1 , 3 9 8 1 , 2 0 3 , 3 6 6 1 , 3 4 4 , 8 0 0 1 , 4 5 6 , 0 0 0 1 , 7 3 9 , 0 0 0 Pe r c e n t a g e C h a n g e f r o m P r i o r Y e a r 3. 3 % 4. 9 % 5. 3 % 8. 5 % 5. 6 % 8. 5 % 8. 1 % 8. 4 % 8. 4 % 9. 2 % Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s Pr o p e r t y T a x e s 20 1 7 - 2 0 2 6 7 19 Item 3. 2023 2024 2025 2026 Incr/Decr ACTIVITY ACTIVITY COUNCIL CITY MANAGER from DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION APPROVED BUDGET PROPOSED BUDGET 2025 GENERAL FUND 1110 MAYOR-COUNCIL 193,000 219,800 219,200 195,700 (23,500) 1320 CITY MANAGER 744,600 840,100 843,900 722,700 (121,200) 1360 COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS ---399,200 - 1410 CITY CLERK 91,200 177,800 107,000 182,100 75,100 1510 FINANCE 1,026,900 1,054,800 1,118,000 1,196,100 78,100 1550 ASSESSING 102,700 103,600 107,700 112,800 5,100 1610 LEGAL SERVICES 190,900 202,900 200,300 215,300 15,000 1940 CITY HALL 153,600 215,600 176,200 196,200 20,000 2100 POLICE 6,227,800 7,011,300 7,480,700 7,959,400 478,700 2200 FIRE 2,088,800 2,110,900 2,231,400 2,412,100 180,700 2300 PROPERTY INSPECTIONS 464,500 422,400 501,500 460,900 (40,600) 3100 ENGINEERING 507,900 584,000 591,100 663,900 72,800 3121 STREETS 1,130,200 1,093,700 1,276,900 1,358,500 81,600 3160 STREET LIGHTING 173,300 156,000 197,000 200,700 3,700 3170 TRAFFIC SIGNS & SIGNALS 105,900 102,900 132,500 140,200 7,700 5000 RECREATION ADMINISTRATION 276,300 294,700 307,200 320,000 12,800 5001 ATHLETICS 137,100 151,400 141,800 156,800 15,000 5004 YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM 99,900 104,700 153,400 160,200 6,800 5040 SENIOR CITIZENS 132,600 134,200 150,700 159,100 8,400 5129 MURZYN HALL 233,600 212,900 257,200 254,600 (2,600) 5130 HYLANDER CENTER 50,700 86,800 94,900 95,700 800 5200 PARKS 1,169,500 1,101,200 1,287,000 1,347,500 60,500 6102 URBAN FORESTRY 308,400 290,700 315,400 319,600 4,200 9200 CONTINGENCIES 36,300 38,600 95,000 92,700 (2,300) 9300 TRANSFERS 544,000 961,000 768,000 1,567,500 799,500 TOTAL GENERAL FUND 16,189,700 17,672,000 18,754,000 20,889,500 2,135,500 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 6314 EDA ADMINISTRATION 301,600 307,200 309,000 413,900 104,900 TOTAL EDA 301,600 307,200 309,000 413,900 104,900 LIBRARY 5500 LIBRARY 1,116,200 1,198,600 1,293,000 1,317,000 24,000 TOTAL LIBRARY 1,116,200 1,198,600 1,293,000 1,317,000 24,000 City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota Tax Supported Operating Expenditures 2023 - 2026 8 20 Item 3. SUMMARY BY FUND 2023 2024 2025 2026 ACTIVITY ACTIVITY ADOPTED CITY MANAGER FUND DESCRIPTION BUDGET BUDGET REVENUE 101 GENERAL 16,835,800 18,394,100 19,625,000 21,258,500 201 PLANNING & INSPECTIONS 543,300 734,600 641,800 895,700 204 EDA ADMINISTRATION 312,700 331,000 377,000 407,000 205 HOUSING FUND 144,800 390,000 212 STATE AID MAINTENANCE 218,500 248,500 236,000 247,000 225 CABLE TELEVISION 205,600 146,100 155,500 110,000 226 SPECIAL PROJECTS 76,800 120,500 228 DOWNTOWN PARKING 57,500 57,300 58,000 59,900 240 LIBRARY 1,195,300 1,277,100 1,293,000 1,317,000 261 AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS 8,600 8,200 262 21ST CENTURY ARTS 60,200 272 PUBLIC SAFETY GRANTS - OTHER 1,083,300 62,500 315 SULL-SHORES:TX GO BONDS2008A 2,700 100 345 GO IMPROV/REV BONDS 2013 10,100 3,300 346 GO LIBRARY BONDS 2015A 460,200 463,900 463,400 462,100 347 GO PUBLIC SAFETY REFND 2017B 547,500 545,600 539,200 543,800 348 GO PUBFACILITIES REFND 2018A 200,800 97,900 107,600 124,300 349 GO IMPROVEMENT BONDS 2023B 468,200 377,000 377,000 372 HUSET PARK AREA TIF (T6)908,000 975,700 890,000 952,000 375 TIF Z6: 47TH & GRAND 172,700 212,900 376 TIF DISTRICTS A3/C7/C8 17,600 18,200 389 TIF R8 CRESTV/TRANSITION BLK 32,200 100 391 SCATTERED SITE TIF W3/W4 51,000 56,700 392 TIF BB2 ALATUS 40TH AV 236,900 813,000 393 TIF BB6 ALATUS 4300 CENTRAL 6,058,000 32,200 394 REUTER WALTON TIF 108,600 395 2023A TEMP TIF REFUNDING BONDS 574,200 23,800 346,000 6,788,000 402 STATE AID CONSTRUCTION 861,300 1,118,700 900,000 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD 402,700 377,900 425,000 500,000 411 CAPITAL IMP-GEN GOVT. BLDG 1,190,800 375,000 110,000 2,060,000 412 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PARKS 140,800 198,400 165,000 165,000 415 CAPITAL IMPRVMT - PIR PROJ 4,362,800 1,077,100 940,600 600,000 420 CAP IMPROVEMENT-DEVELOPMENT 857,200 38,700 430 INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 99,700 1,372,700 670,000 120,000 431 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-GENERAL 161,100 914,500 1,134,500 824,500 432 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-SEWER 67,400 138,900 50,000 50,000 433 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-WATER 150,000 168,100 50,000 50,000 434 CAP EQUIP REPLACE - GARAGE 6,700 12,100 10,000 10,000 437 CAP EQUIP - INFO TECHNOLOGY 32,800 14,500 17,500 30,500 438 CAP EQUIP REPLACE STORM SEWE 45,800 55,500 50,000 50,000 601 WATER UTILITY 4,494,000 4,389,900 4,359,000 4,505,000 602 SEWER UTILITY 2,760,700 2,744,500 2,728,000 2,808,000 603 REFUSE FUND 3,244,100 4,057,300 3,936,000 4,254,000 604 STORM SEWER UTILITY 730,100 777,600 777,000 831,000 609 LIQUOR 9,102,100 9,711,100 10,161,800 10,404,000 631 WATER FUND DEBT SERVICE 88,400 94,700 112,000 632 SEWER FUND DEBT SERVICE 62,000 68,200 112,000 634 STORM SEWER DEBT SERVICE 64,000 200 639 LIQUOR FUND DEBT SERVICE 329,800 340,500 326,500 323,500 651 WATER CONSTRUCTION FUND 225,000 653 STORM SEWER CONSTRUCT. FUND 6,100 6,200 701 CENTRAL GARAGE 737,700 783,500 824,200 950,000 705 FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 247,400 264,400 276,800 285,300 720 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 776,600 971,400 1,003,400 1,011,500 ESTIMATED REVENUES - ALL FUNDS 67,587,300 59,417,200 53,348,800 64,889,600 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN BUDGET 2026 99 21 Item 3. SUMMARY BY FUND 2023 2024 2025 2026 ACTIVITY ACTIVITY ADOPTED CITY MANAGER FUND DESCRIPTION BUDGET BUDGET CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN BUDGET 2026 EXPENSE 101 GENERAL 16,189,700 17,672,000 18,754,000 20,889,500 201 PLANNING & INSPECTIONS 440,300 630,000 662,000 895,700 204 EDA ADMINISTRATION 301,600 307,200 309,000 413,900 205 HOUSING FUND 800,000 212 STATE AID MAINTENANCE 119,900 138,900 212,800 240,800 225 CABLE TELEVISION 142,600 185,600 221,200 155,500 226 SPECIAL PROJECTS 56,700 56,600 228 DOWNTOWN PARKING 27,900 25,700 58,000 59,900 240 LIBRARY 1,116,200 1,198,600 1,293,000 1,317,000 261 AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS 31,800 50,400 24,100 262 21ST CENTURY ARTS 60,300 265 FORFEITURE FUND 4,800 100 272 PUBLIC SAFETY GRANTS - OTHER 126,600 274,500 315 SULL-SHORES:TX GO BONDS2008A 73,700 345 GO IMPROV/REV BONDS 2013 21,400 23,800 346 GO LIBRARY BONDS 2015A 458,800 454,400 455,900 457,700 347 GO PUBLIC SAFETY REFND 2017B 533,400 532,400 532,400 531,900 348 GO PUBFACILITIES REFND 2018A 209,900 210,000 111,500 114,900 349 GO IMPROVEMENT BONDS 2023B 83,600 375,900 387,800 372 HUSET PARK AREA TIF (T6)601,000 822,200 652,400 899,300 375 TIF Z6: 47TH & GRAND 154,600 188,300 376 TIF DISTRICTS A3/C7/C8 (35,500) 389 TIF R8 CRESTV/TRANSITION BLK 169,500 391 SCATTERED SITE TIF W3/W4 10,100 128,100 392 TIF BB2 ALATUS 40TH AV 228,300 770,300 393 TIF BB6 ALATUS 4300 CENTRAL 6,747,900 2,900 346,000 394 REUTER WALTON TIF 1,900 104,600 395 2023A TEMP TIF REFUNDING BONDS 218,100 345,500 6,788,000 402 STATE AID CONSTRUCTION 710,000 378,500 830,000 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD 510,300 330,800 400,000 500,000 411 CAPITAL IMP-GEN GOVT. BLDG 105,900 31,500 1,058,000 412 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PARKS 5,200 19,800 720,000 415 CAPITAL IMPRVMT - PIR PROJ 1,293,000 988,500 1,022,500 600,000 420 CAP IMPROVEMENT-DEVELOPMENT 820,000 49,700 430 INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 68,400 806,200 777,300 412,500 431 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-GENERAL 704,900 2,900,600 834,900 680,000 432 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-SEWER 1,600 433 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-WATER 1,400 437 CAP EQUIP - INFO TECHNOLOGY 18,300 10,000 601 WATER UTILITY 3,258,300 3,202,400 3,561,000 3,657,600 602 SEWER UTILITY 2,585,100 2,693,200 2,982,000 3,084,500 603 REFUSE FUND 3,557,200 4,495,500 3,936,000 4,202,200 604 STORM SEWER UTILITY 495,200 370,000 516,700 626,300 609 LIQUOR 9,465,600 9,772,300 10,280,900 10,365,000 631 WATER FUND DEBT SERVICE 2,500 400 632 SEWER FUND DEBT SERVICE 1,500 200 1,000 634 STORM SEWER DEBT SERVICE 2,000 200 639 LIQUOR FUND DEBT SERVICE 37,800 33,300 34,600 24,900 651 WATER CONSTRUCTION FUND 23,200 231,800 300,000 652 SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND 12,800 279,300 653 STORM SEWER CONSTRUCT. FUND 7,300 6,100 150,000 701 CENTRAL GARAGE 734,200 779,600 1,022,600 1,041,600 705 FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 254,400 262,900 297,600 301,100 720 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 750,900 857,800 1,003,400 1,032,000 APPROPRIATIONS - ALL FUNDS 59,980,700 53,148,200 51,024,200 63,547,600 1010 22 Item 3. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-068 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, ADOPTING A PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2026, SETTING THE CITY LEVY, APPROVING THE HRA LEVY, APPROVING A TAX RATE INCREASE, AND ESTABLISHING A BUDGET HEARING DATE FOR PROPERTY TAXES PAYABLE IN 2026. Now, therefore, in accordance with all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights makes the following: ORDER OF COUNCIL IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: Section A. The budget for the City of Columbia Heights for the year 2026 is hereby approved and adopted with appropriations for each of the funds listed below. Section B. The following sums of money are levied for the current year, collectable in 2026 upon the Taxable property in the City of Columbia Heights, for the purposes listed below. Revenue Expense Governmental Funds General Fund 21,258,500 20,889,500 Planning & Inspections 895,700 895,700 Economic Development Authority Admin.407,000 413,900 EDA Housing Fund 390,000 800,000 Cable Television 110,000 155,500 Library 1,317,000 1,317,000 After School Programs -- Downtown Parking 59,900 59,900 Capital Project Funds 5,416,500 5,041,300 Debt Service Funds 9,247,200 9,179,600 Proprietary Funds Water Fund 4,780,000 3,957,600 Sewer Fund 2,858,000 3,084,500 Refuse Fund 4,254,000 4,202,200 Storm Sewer Fund 881,000 776,300 Liquor Fund 10,727,500 10,389,900 Municipal Service Center 1,245,300 1,342,700 Information Systems 1,042,000 1,042,000 Change in Fund Balance -1,342,000 Total Including Interfund Transfers 64,889,600 64,889,600 General Fund Levy 17,650,000 Library Levy 1,292,000 EDA Fund Levy 401,000 Street Levy 600,000 Total 19,943,000 11 23 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights – Council Resolution 2025-068 Page 2 Section C. The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby approves the Columbia Heights Housing and Redevelopment Authority Tax Levy for the fiscal year 2026 in the amount of $420,000. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the public budget hearing is scheduled for December 8, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the County Auditor is authorized to fix a property tax rate for taxes payable in the year 2026 that is higher than the tax rate calculated for the City of Columbia Heights for taxes payable in 2025. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City has adequate fund balances and reserves to pay bond principal and interest payments on General Obligation Bond Series 2015A in the amount of $274,987 and that the County Auditor is authorized to cancel $274,987 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2026, leaving a balance of $210,100 to be levied for taxes payable 2026 for Series 2015A. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City has adequate fund balances and reserves to pay bond principal and interest payments on General Obligation Bond Series 2017A in the amount of $336,499 and that the County Auditor is authorized to cancel $336,499 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2026, leaving a balance of $0 to be levied for taxes payable in 2026 for Series 2017A. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City has adequate fund balances and reserves to pay bond principal and interest payments on General Obligation Bond Series 2017B in the amount of $275,701 and that the County Auditor is authorized to cancel $275,701 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2026, leaving a balance of $291,800 to be levied for taxes payable in 2026 for Series 2017B. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City has adequate fund balances and reserves to pay bond principal and interest payments on General Obligation Bond Series 2018A in the amount of $89 and that the County Auditor is authorized to cancel $89 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2026, leaving a balance of $123,100 to be levied for taxes payable in 2026 for Series 2018A. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City has adequate fund balances and reserves to pay bond principal and interest payments on General Obligation Bond Series 2023B in the amount of $121,199 and that the County Auditor is authorized to cancel $121,199 of the related Bond Levy for taxes payable in 2026, leaving a balance of $0 to be levied for taxes payable in 2026 for Series 2023B. The Finance Director is hereby instructed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the County Auditor of Anoka County, Minnesota. Passed this ________ day of ______________________, 2025 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Attest: Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary 1212 24 Item 3. Communications Legal Cable Mayor-Council City Manager & Events City Clerk Assessing Services TV 101.1110 101.1320 101.1360 101.1410 101.1550 101.1610 225.9844 Revenue Taxes 199,700 559,300 407,400 185,800 112,600 219,800 - Licenses & Permits ------- Intergovernmental ------- Charges for Services ----2,500 -- Fines & Forfeits ------- Miscellaneous ------110,000 Sales and Related Charges ------- Transfers & Non Rev Receipts -174,700 ----- Total Revenue 199,700 734,000 407,400 185,800 115,100 219,800 110,000 Expenses Personnel Services 110,400 621,800 274,000 141,900 12,700 -200 Supplies 8,300 7,500 5,900 2,900 --2,500 Other Services and Charges 75,000 93,400 119,300 37,300 100,100 215,300 33,200 Capital Outlay ------- Contingencies & Transfers 2,000 -----119,600 Total Expenses 195,700 722,700 399,200 182,100 112,800 215,300 155,500 Change in Fund Balance 4,000 11,300 8,200 3,700 2,300 4,500 (45,500) City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota BUDGET 2026 Administration 13 25 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: MAYOR-COUNCIL 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1110 MAYOR-COUNCIL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 90,600 90,800 96,200 110,400 110,400 - Supplies 19,600 3,100 7,000 8,300 8,300 - Other Services & Charges 82,100 125,000 114,000 75,000 75,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 700 900 2,000 2,000 2,000 - TOTALS: MAYOR-COUNCIL 193,000 219,800 219,200 195,700 195,700 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Mayor-Council budget covers the stipend, insurance benefits, and conference attendance for the elected officials; the costs associated with running the Council meetings, and the costs of various public engagement events each year. These events include including Music in the Park, Movies in the Park, SnowBlast, and the Community Art and Info Fair The proposed 2025 budget is an increase of $_________ or __________% over 2024. The Mayor-Council budget covers the Council stipends, insurance benefits, conference attendance for the elected officials, membership dues, and the costs associated with running the Council meetings. The proposed Mayor-Council budget for 2026 decreased by $23,500 overall or 10.7%. The primary driver of the decrease is related to the removal of public engagement and civic events from this budget. Examples include; Music in the Park, Movies in the Park, SnowBlast, and the Community Art and Info Fair. The budget for these events is now recognized in a newly created department called Communications and Events. Personnel Services increased by $14,200 driven by an increase in insurance costs. The budget for Supplies increased by $1,300 driven by increased expenditures on food supplies for meetings. 14 26 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1320 CITY MANAGER Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 662,200 752,000 738,800 621,800 621,800 - Supplies 1,400 3,200 11,400 7,500 7,500 - Other Services & Charges 81,000 84,900 93,700 93,400 93,400 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CITY MANAGER 744,600 840,100 843,900 722,700 722,700 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is responsible for the administration of all activities, functions, and programs of the City in accordance with the policies and guidelines adopted by the City Council. Duties of the department include planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the operations of all departments, with the exception of the Police Department. This department is responsible for human resources, labor relations, employee relations, communications, and special projects and events functions of the City. The proposed budget for the City Manager department within the General Fund is decreasing by $121,200, or 14%. The primary driver of the decrease is represented by moving personnel costs for Communications staff from the City Manger department to the newly created Communications and Events department to better reflect where the funds are being directed. Other changes of note to the City Manager Department proposed for 2026: The budget for Supplies shows a decrease of $3,900 reflected by a shift of some supply costs to the newly created Communications and Events department and to better represent trends. The budget for Other Services and Charges will remain relatively flat for 2026 with a small decrease of $300. 15 27 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1360 COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ---274,000 274,000 - Supplies ---5,900 5,900 - Other Services & Charges ---119,300 119,300 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS ---399,200 399,200 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This newly created department budget better reflects the budget for the City's communications and engagements efforts, which includes civic events, newsletter, and website. This budget brought over civic events from the Mayor/Council budget, and the non-cable items from the cable budget. With that being said, the civic events budget increased by 2,000 dollars to account for rising costs of staffing and equipment. The non-cable items that were pulled from cable remained somewhat similar, but there is a new additional item as the City produces a youth recreation brochure in English and Spanish to better engage with the Spanish-speaking community. The Communications and Engagement Department is looking to add a part-time position throughout 2026 to increase its efforts in engaging with the Spanish-speaking community. This position is roughly 20,000. Staff is estimating that services such as CodeRED, Mailchimp, Grammarly, and ArchiveSocial will increase at a market-rate percentage. 16 28 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CITY CLERK 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1410 CITY CLERK Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 69,500 147,200 72,400 141,900 141,900 - Supplies 200 3,300 600 2,900 2,900 - Other Services & Charges 21,500 27,300 34,000 37,300 37,300 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CITY CLERK 91,200 177,800 107,000 182,100 182,100 - Activity Description Subscription & Memberships Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The City Clerk provides assistance to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager; organizes and directs elections, serves as the responsible authority for compliance with the MN Data Practices Act, maintains the City Code, prepares and assembles Council meeting agendas and materials, takes and transcribes minutes of the City Council meetings, maintains records and files of official city documents, oversees the boards and commissions, serves as the Sunshine Fund Coordinator, serves as backup to the Administrative Assistant, and is the department liaison to the Sister City Committee. With the exception of special elections, elections are only held in even numbered years. This is the reason for the significant difference from one year to the next in this department's annual budget. The proposed City Clerk budget shows an increase of $75,100 or 70%. This is primarily related to 2026 being an election year and 2025 being a non-election year. Personnel Services has increased by $69,500 to account for cost of living adjustments, step increases to employee salaries, and increases to insurance costs. Additional increases to Personnel Services and Supplies reflect election judge retention efforts that include a higher hourly wage to more closely align with our municipal neighbors and a meal being provided on election days. 17 29 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: ASSESSING 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1550 ASSESSING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 5,400 6,800 7,600 12,700 12,700 - Supplies --100 --- Other Services & Charges 97,300 96,800 100,000 100,100 100,100 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: ASSESSING 102,700 103,600 107,700 112,800 112,800 - Activity Description Subscription & Memberships Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Assessing Department provides tax and homestead information. Through a joint powers agreement with Anoka County, the County provides for the assessment of property in Columbia Heights and processes homestead applications. The current contract with the County began in 2003. The proposed Assessing budget has an increase of $5,100 or 4.7%. 18 30 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: LEGAL SERVICES 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1610 LEGAL SERVICES Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 190,900 202,900 200,300 215,300 215,300 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: LEGAL SERVICES 190,900 202,900 200,300 215,300 215,300 - Activity Description Subscription & Memberships Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Legal Services Department handles all civil and prosecution matters for the City. These services are currently under retainer with the law firm of Barna, Guzy, and Steffen, Ltd. This Department also budgets for outside employment and labor attorney services. The proposed Legal Services budget shows an increase of $15,000 or 7.5% This increase is to accommodate adjustments to the current contract for legal services accounting for inflation. The Council has directed staff to seek competitive bids for legal services for the 2027 contract year. 19 31 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CABLE TELEVISION 225 CABLE Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9844 TELEVISION Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 20,200 37,400 67,500 200 200 - Supplies 1,800 1,900 2,500 2,500 2,500 - Other Services & Charges 95,500 124,700 143,200 33,200 33,200 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 25,100 21,600 8,000 119,600 119,600 - TOTALS: CABLE TELEVISION 142,600 185,600 221,200 155,500 155,500 - Activity Description Subscription & Memberships Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Cable Television Department operates under the Administration Department to administer the franchise ordinance with Comcast; operate the local government access channels; provide other citywide communications; and provide customer resolution to residents' cable service and billing issues. The decrease in this budget reflects the items that were reclassified for clarity from the cable TV fund to the Communications and Events budget. The largest element of this was the $40,000 annual cost of the newsletter. There is also a planned decrease in costs associated with the production of the cable programming as the City is moving from Swagit to NineNorth and Cablecast for meeting production, yielding a decrease of roughly $18,000. Beginning in 2026, the staff labor for cable activities was also reclassified from a direct charge to personnel services to a administrative labor transfer reimbursed to the general fund. This change between expense categories had no net effect on the cable TV budget in total. 20 32 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIP CITY MANAGER 431 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1320 CITY MANAGER Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay --55,000 --- Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP CITY MANAGER --55,000 --- Activity Description Subscription & Memberships Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. There are no capital equipment expenditures budgeted for 2026. The $55,000 budgeted in 2025 remains unspent, as the City Manger selected a vehicle from the City's existing fleet rather than purchasing new. 21 33 Item 3. ED A ED A ED A ED A Pl a n n i n g & ED A ED A Do w n t o w n R e d e v e l o p m e n t RE D E V E L O P M E N T Re d e v e l o p m e n t R e d e v e l o p m e n t Ca p E q u i p In s p e c t i o n s Ad m i n Ho u s i n g Pa r k i n g Ot h e r FA Ç A D E I M P R O V E M E N T Co m m R e v i t a l z t n Fi r e S u p p r e s s i o n Pr o t e c t i v e I n s p . 20 1 . 2 4 0 0 20 4 . 6 3 1 4 20 5 . 6 3 6 0 22 8 . 6 3 1 7 40 8 . 6 3 1 4 40 8 . 6 4 1 1 40 8 . 6 4 1 4 40 8 . 6 4 1 8 43 1 . 2 4 0 0 Re v e n u e Ta x e s - 40 1 , 0 0 0 - - - - 32 0 , 0 0 0 10 0 , 0 0 0 - Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s 46 5 , 9 0 0 - - - - - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l - - 39 0 , 0 0 0 - - - - - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s 10 , 0 0 0 - - - - - - - - Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s 51 , 0 0 0 - - - - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s 20 , 8 0 0 6, 0 0 0 - - - - - - - Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s - - - - - - - - - Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s 34 8 , 0 0 0 - - 59 , 9 0 0 - 80 , 0 0 0 - - - To t a l R e v e n u e 89 5 , 7 0 0 40 7 , 0 0 0 39 0 , 0 0 0 59 , 9 0 0 - 80 , 0 0 0 32 0 , 0 0 0 10 0 , 0 0 0 - Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s 69 1 , 7 0 0 26 6 , 6 0 0 - - - - - - - Su p p l i e s 10 , 0 0 0 80 0 - 1, 5 0 0 - - - - - Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s 16 3 , 0 0 0 40 , 9 0 0 80 0 , 0 0 0 58 , 4 0 0 - 80 , 0 0 0 20 , 0 0 0 10 0 , 0 0 0 - Ca p i t a l O u t l a y - - - - - - 30 0 , 0 0 0 - - Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s 31 , 0 0 0 10 5 , 6 0 0 - - - - - - - To t a l E x p e n s e s 89 5 , 7 0 0 41 3 , 9 0 0 80 0 , 0 0 0 59 , 9 0 0 - 80 , 0 0 0 32 0 , 0 0 0 10 0 , 0 0 0 - Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e - (6 , 9 0 0 ) (4 1 0 , 0 0 0 ) - - - - - - Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 Co m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t 22 34 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: PLANNING & INSPECTIONS 201 PLANNING & INSPECTIONS Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2400 PLANNING & INSPECTIONS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 327,700 483,100 549,900 691,700 691,700 - Supplies 2,200 6,600 8,900 10,000 10,000 - Other Services & Charges 88,400 111,400 78,100 163,000 163,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 22,000 28,900 25,100 31,000 31,000 - TOTALS: PLANNING & INSPECTIONS 440,300 630,000 662,000 895,700 895,700 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Planning & Inspections Department ensures the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community through implementation, administration, and enforcement of the City Zoning Code and the respective Minnesota State Building Codes. The main activities of the Planning & Inspections Department include providing staff support to the Planning Commission; implementing short and long-range planning policies that address the changing dynamics of social, political, and economic environments; facilitating the implementation and administration of the Comprehensive Plan; conducting special projects for the benefit of the community; serving as project managers for development and redevelopment projects; administering FEMA requirements; issuing building, mechanical and plumbing permits, as well as contractor and businesses licenses; reviewing building plans and construction documents; and inspecting the construction and installation of projects. The proposed 2026 budget is an increase of $233,700 or 35% over 2025. In 2026, the city's General fund levy will continue to partially support the operations of the Planning and Inspections Department with a $408,700 contribution. This contribution is used to pay for the City Planner position and approximately half of the Building Inspector position and Code Enforcement position. PERSONNEL SERVICES: Personal Services will increase by $141,8000 or 25%. This increase will cover regular COLA increases, benefit increases, and salary adjustments for the City Planner, Building Official, Building Inspector, Administrative Assistant II, and Code Enforcer. SUPPLIES: The supplies budget will increase by $1,100 or 12% due to the addition of a laptop and related materials for the intern position. OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES: Other services and charges will increase by $84,900 or 108.7%. This increase will accommodate increases in expert and professional services, new phones, insurance and garage labor. The largest driver of this increase Is $70,000 in expert and professional services to cover the Comprehensive Planning Contractor as the Comprehensive Planning 2050 process begins in 2026. 23 35 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 204 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6314 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH.Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 251,800 241,300 250,100 266,600 266,600 - Supplies 100 2,300 800 800 800 - Other Services & Charges 27,600 34,700 33,000 40,900 40,900 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 22,100 28,900 25,100 105,600 105,600 - TOTALS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH301,600 307,200 309,000 413,900 413,900 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Economic Development Authority coordinates several activities that both directly and indirectly act as a catalyst for improving the community's overall quality of life, business vitality, and economic performance. The main activities of Economic Development Authority staff include providing support to the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority and the Housing & Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights; leveraging public and private partnerships to increase the amount of reinvestment within the City; serving as project managers for development and redevelopment projects; writing and maintaining grants from governmental agencies and corporate institutions; preparing and maintaining Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement, and Private Activity Bond records; developing and implementing a Business Retention & Expansion programs; managing housing programs; and facilitating the acquisition and conveyance of City owned properties. The proposed 2026 budget is an increase of $94,900 or 31% higher than 2025, due to an EDA increase in project related funding. PERSONNEL SERVICES: Personnel services will increase by $16,500, or 6.6% due to having a full staff throughout the year. SUPPLIES: The Supplies budget will remain unchanged for 2026. OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES: Other Services and Charges will increase by $7,900 to adequately reflect the anticipated workload of the department, and account for increases in Expert and Professional Services, Training and Education, Memberships, new telephones, and fund transfers to the EDA's Commercial Revitalization Fund. The largest increase of $80,500 will be regarding project based funds transferred to EDA Fund 408. This is to back fill a loss in market value and a 2026 decrease in HRA levy funds. These transferred funds will allow 408 to operate at the same level as 2025 in 2026. 24 36 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: EDA HOUSING FUND 205 HOUSING FUND Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6360 EDA - HOUSING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ---800,000 800,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: EDA - HOUSING ---800,000 800,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 Fund 205 Housing Fund represents the City's "Housing Trust Fund". This fund is administered by the EDA and contributes to specific affordable housing initiatives taken on by the EDA. The fund receives a yearly stipend, in two separate payments, from the State of Minnesota’s Local Affordable Housing Aid disbursements. These disbursements are based off calculations and sales tax returns for the metro and vary year by year. This will be the first year Fund 205 is included in the Budgeting Handbook. Since the fund was created late in 2024, it was not incorporated into the 2025 budget. However, it has received revenue throughout 2024 and 2025, which will contribute to the fund's available balance. Per EDA guidance, the primary expenditure within Fund 205 will be the establishment of a Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) loan program. Expenditures within this fund must adhere to the restrictions outlined in Minnesota’s Local Housing Trust Fund statute and Local Affordable Housing Aid Statutes. 25 37 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: DOWNTOWN PARKING 228 DOWNTOWN PARKING Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6317 DOWNTOWN PARKING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 1,500 -1,500 1,500 1,500 - Other Services & Charges 26,400 25,700 56,500 58,400 58,400 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: DOWNTOWN PARKING 27,900 25,700 58,000 59,900 59,900 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Downton Parking Fund operates to increase the economic viability of the Central Business District and maintain its livable qualities. This fund administers the management, operation, and maintenance of the 310 stall municipal parking ramp located at 4011 Van Buren Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN. *Special Note: As part of the redevelopment of the 3989 Central Avenue site, the former municipal parking ramp at 950 40th Avenue was demolished in late 2020. The proposed 2026 budget is an increase of $1,900 or 3.2% over 2025. This increase is intended to keep up with inflation related to contracted services for maintenance. Fund 228 acts as the operating fund for the ramp soley funding yearly maintinance and utility bills. This fund does not maintain funds for capital improvements. For several years, the primary user/tenant of the parking ramp was Fairview Health Services, as the adjacent office building at 4000 Central Avenue has limited parking and relies on the City’s ramp for nearly all its parking demand. In late 2022, Fairview Health fully vacated the building and closed their clinic operations resulting in termination of a longstanding parking lease agreement. The building is now being offered for sale/lease. Until a new owner/tenant is identified, the City has no primary user of the ramp, and subsequently no revenue to pay for the required annual maintenance of the ramp. Despite the loss of revenue from Fairview Health Services, the ramp remains an important asset to the vitality of the Central Business District (CBD) by providing parking for several businesses located in the CBD. Funding for the operation and maintenance of the ramp in 2025 will come from the City’s Special Project Fund 420. Staff will monitor the sale/lease of the 4000 Central office building and work to secure a long-term lease with any new owner/tenant. 26 38 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6314 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 1,500 8,500 ---- Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH1,500 8,500 ---- Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Redevelopment Project Fund is a working capital fund designed to provide the resources necessary for the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority to implement approved activities for the benefit of the community. The three approved activities covered previously within this fund are the Commercial Revitalization Project, the Facade Improvement Grant Program, and the Fire Suppression grants program. Fund 408-6314 specifically pertains to expenditures related to the EDA’s operations. These expenditures are housed in fund 204 which demonstrates the lack of expenditures. No activity proposed for 2026. 27 39 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6411 FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 30,500 ----- Other Services & Charges 12,500 38,400 -80,000 80,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH43,000 38,400 -80,000 80,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Redevelopment Project Fund is a working capital fund designed to provide the resources necessary for the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority to implement approved activities for the benefit of the community. The three approved activities covered previously within this fund are the Commercial Revitalization Project, the Facade Improvement Grant Program, and the Fire Suppression grants program. Fund 408-6411 specifically pertains to expenditures related to the EDA’s Facade Improvement Grant Program. In 2025, the EDA established its ongoing budget and allocations for various programs and initiatives. In alignment with that decision, staff are proposing to maintain the same expenditure level of $80,000 for the Facade Improvement Grant Program 2026. 28 40 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6414 COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 73,800 209,500 200,000 20,000 20,000 - Capital Outlay 392,000 -200,000 300,000 300,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION465,800 209,500 400,000 320,000 320,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Redevelopment Project Fund is a working capital fund designed to provide the resources necessary for the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority to implement approved activities for the benefit of the community. The three approved activities covered previously within this fund are the Commercial Revitalization Project, the Facade Improvement Grant Program, and the Fire Suppression grants program. Fund 408-6414 specifically pertains to expenditures related to the EDA’s Commercial Revitalization program, future commercial art investments, and admin fee’s for the EDA’s Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Loan Program. The proposed 2026 budget is an decrease of $80,000 or 20% less than the amended 2025 budget. This fund is supported by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Levy and is recognized in Fund 408. Fund 408 will continue to support redevelopment projects and program expenditures of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (EDA), including the EDA’s Commercial Revitalization program, future commercial art investments, admin fee’s for the EDA’s Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Loan Program, and strategic property acquisitions. The fund 408 budget is increasing by $10,000 in 2026 to accommodate one primary change. The $10,000 increase will be dedicated to cover administrative costs of executing the affordable trust funds grant or loan programs. Prior to 2026, the facade improvement grants were budgeted in this department. Beginning in 2026, that activity is segregated into its own department #6411 within EDA fund 408. Prior to 2026, the Fire Supression grants were budgeted in this department. Beginning in 2026, that activity is segregated into its own department #6418 within EDA fund 408. 29 41 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: FIRE SUPPRESSION GRANT 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6418 FIRE SUPPRESSION GRANT Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges -74,400 -100,000 100,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: FIRE SUPPRESSION GRANT -74,400 -100,000 100,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The RedevelopmentProject Fund is a working capital fund designed to provide the resources necessary for the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority to implement approved activities for the benefit of the community. The three approved activities covered previously within this fund are the Commercial Revitalization Project, the Facade Improvement Grant Program,and the Fire Suppression grants program. Fund 408-6418 specifically pertains to expenditures related to the EDA’s Fire Suppression Grant Program. In 2025, the EDA established its ongoing budget and allocations for various programs and initiatives. In alignment with that decision, staff are proposing to maintain the same expenditure level of $100,000 for the Fire Suppresion Grant Program in 2026. 30 42 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FINANCE 431 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2400 PROTECTIVE INSPECTIONS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay -40,500 ---- Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT FINANCE -40,500 ---- Activity Description Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 No activity proposed for 2026. No activity proposed for 2026. 31 43 Item 3. Ci t y Fi n a n c e Ha l l Co n t i n g e n c i e s Tr a n s f e r s Wa t e r Se w e r 10 1 . 1 5 1 0 10 1 . 1 9 4 0 10 1 . 9 2 0 0 10 1 . 9 3 0 0 60 1 . 9 6 9 0 60 2 . 9 6 9 0 Re v e n u e Ta x e s 64 1 , 5 0 0 20 0 , 2 0 0 94 , 6 0 0 1, 3 3 2 , 0 0 0 - - Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s - - - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l - - - 57 , 0 0 0 - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s - - - - - - Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s - - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s - - - 20 5 , 5 0 0 - - Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s - - - - 24 7 , 6 0 0 24 7 , 6 0 0 Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s 56 7 , 6 0 0 - - - - - To t a l R e v e n u e 1, 2 0 9 , 1 0 0 20 0 , 2 0 0 94 , 6 0 0 1, 5 9 4 , 5 0 0 24 7 , 6 0 0 24 7 , 6 0 0 Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s 1, 1 0 2 , 9 0 0 - - - - - Su p p l i e s 9, 5 0 0 23 , 1 0 0 - - 1, 2 0 0 1, 2 0 0 Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s 83 , 7 0 0 17 3 , 1 0 0 42 , 7 0 0 - 99 , 1 0 0 99 , 1 0 0 Ca p i t a l O u t l a y - - - - - - Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s - - 50 , 0 0 0 1, 5 6 7 , 5 0 0 14 7 , 3 0 0 14 7 , 3 0 0 To t a l E x p e n s e s 1, 1 9 6 , 1 0 0 19 6 , 2 0 0 92 , 7 0 0 1, 5 6 7 , 5 0 0 24 7 , 6 0 0 24 7 , 6 0 0 Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e 13 , 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 1, 9 0 0 27 , 0 0 0 - - Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 Fi n a n c e 32 44 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: FINANCE 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1510 FINANCE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 910,200 982,400 1,027,600 1,102,900 1,102,900 - Supplies 2,100 6,500 7,100 9,500 9,500 - Other Services & Charges 114,600 65,900 83,300 83,700 83,700 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: FINANCE 1,026,900 1,054,800 1,118,000 1,196,100 1,196,100 - Activity Description Punches, calculators, organizers, etc. Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The purpose of the Finance Department is to account for all financial operations of the City and to report on those operations. The Finance department is responsible for budgeting, financial reporting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, utility billing, purchasing, liquor operations, and information systems within city operations. The proposed 2026 budget is an increase of $78,100 or 7% over 2025. This compares to a 2.6% increase the prior year. The 2026 increase is driven by personnel costs of the 2025-2027 labor agreements as follows: •Cost-of-living increases of 4% in wages and wage-related fringe benefits for all staff. •Cost-of-living increases of 6% in employer contributions to employee insurance and health savings accounts. •Seniority step increases of 3.3% for wages and wage-related fringe benefits for seven of the nine department staff. Nonpersonnel costs proposed for 2026 are an increase of 3% or $2,800. This includes a small allowance towards replacement of the legacy special assessment software, when combined with offsetting reductions in various nonpersonnel items for 2026. 33 45 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CITY HALL 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1940 CITY HALL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 8,200 23,500 11,800 23,100 23,100 - Other Services & Charges 145,400 192,100 164,400 173,100 173,100 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CITY HALL 153,600 215,600 176,200 196,200 196,200 - Activity Description Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department accounts for the general maintenance and operation of City Hall. The major expenses in this budget are occupancy costs. It also includes some centralized costs of general office supplies used by all City divisions occupying City Hall. Prior to 2024, this budget contained the actual operating costs of the old City Hall. For 2024 and beyond, this budget contains the estimated operating costs of the new City Hall. The proposed 2026 budget is an increase of $20,000 or 11% over 2025. This primarily reflects adjusting past estimates across most line items to the actual experience of occupying the new City Hall in the two years following move-in. We note that this department budget includes $28,000 for the annual lease of staff parking spaces from the Ratio Apartments owner, plus $8,000 in annual condominium association fees. Lastly, we note that the $192,100 amount shown above as actual 2024 Other Services and Charges includes one- time temporary rent of the new city hall office space paid to the developer transitionally between the occupancy of the new city hall and the legal closing of the condominium purchase by the City. 34 46 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CONTINGENCIES 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9200 CONTINGENCIES Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 36,300 38,600 45,000 42,700 42,700 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers --50,000 50,000 50,000 - TOTALS: CONTINGENCIES 36,300 38,600 95,000 92,700 92,700 - Activity Description Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department was established to budget an allowance for activity not anticipated and budgeted for under other departments. Beginning in 2024, this department also accounts for the holding costs of the old City Hall property until it is redeveloped. The proposed 2026 budget is a decrease of $2,300 or 2% from 2025. This includes an estimate of $42,700 in holding costs for the old city hall and a $50,000 contingency to support unexpected activity in all other departments in the 2026 budget. 35 47 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: TRANSFERS 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9300 TRANSFERS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 544,000 961,000 768,000 1,567,500 1,567,500 - TOTALS: TRANSFERS 544,000 961,000 768,000 1,567,500 1,567,500 - Activity Description Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department was established to account for transfers-out from the General Fund to other City funds. There are four recurring items in this budget for 2026: •An annual transfer of $100,000 of general fund property tax levy to the Parks Capital Fund 412, to supplement various other funding for capital improvements to City parks under the parks master plan. This item originated from the 2020 closure of a tax increment district, which in turn increased the tax base subject to the general property tax levy by approximately the amount required to fund this transfer. •An annual transfer of $450,000 of general fund property tax levy to the City's internal service fund 720 for Information Technology, as one part of the City's strategic plan for technology. This item was gradually phased into its current level from 2021 through 2024. •An annual transfer of $417,500 of general fund property tax levy to Planning and Inspections Fund 201, to fund: 1) The portion of the City Planner position not funded by planning fees. 2) The portion of the Point-Of-Sale inspections program not funded by inspection fees. 3) The portion of the Code Enforcement Officer not funded by fees and fines (new in mid-2025). An annual transfer of $600,000 of general fund property tax levy to the City's Public Improvement Revolving (PIR) Fund 415 to fund teh City street construction program. This item is new for 2026, replacing amounts that previously were levied as special assessments ineach of hte prpoer internal service fund 720 for Information Technology, as one part of the City's strategic plan for technology. This item was gradually phased into its current level from 2021 through 2024. 36 48 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FINANCE 431 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 1510 FINANCE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT FINANCE ------ Activity Description Punches, calculators, organizers, etc. Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. At this time, there are no capital requests for the Finance department for 2026. However, replacement of the legacy special assessment software will be necessary at some point and is currently under consideration. 37 49 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: WATER UTILITY 601 WATER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9690 ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 1,100 2,400 800 1,200 1,200 - Other Services & Charges 61,300 74,600 96,200 99,100 99,100 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 124,200 132,300 129,700 147,300 147,300 - TOTALS: WATER UTILITY 186,600 209,300 226,700 247,600 247,600 - Activity Description Punches, calculators, organizers, etc. Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Administration Department of the Water Utility Fund accounts for 33.3% of the costs associated with the utility billing process costs associated with meter reading. The remaining costs for utility billing are allocated to the Sewer Utility Fund - 33.3% and the Refuse Utility Fund 33.3%; except the costs for meter reading are allocated 50% each to the Water and Sewer Funds. The proposed 2026 budget is an increase of $20,900 or 9% over 2025. The majority of this increase is in the administrative labor transfer to the general fund, reflecting both the direct services of the utility billing staff in the general fund and the indirect administrative labor of a portion of all applicable managerial staff. As described in the budget narrative for Finance department 101.1510 labor increases under current contracts were approximately 7% with cost of living increases and seniority step increases combined. Additionally, the portion of managerial labor allocated to this function was adjusted to fit current time estimates. We note the approximately $20,000 increase shown above from 2024 to 2025 in the Other Services and Charges category is the water fund's 50% share of the new meter-reading software subscriptions implemented in 2024-2025 in conjunction with the concurrent Citywide meter replacement program. These software subscriptions are continued into the 2026 budget. 38 50 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: SEWER UTILITY ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL 602 SEWER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9690 ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 1,100 2,500 800 1,200 1,200 - Other Services & Charges 93,600 74,500 96,200 99,100 99,100 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 124,200 132,300 129,700 147,300 147,300 - TOTALS: SEWER UTILITY 218,900 209,300 226,700 247,600 247,600 - Activity Description Punches, calculators, organizers, etc. Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Administration Department of the Sewer Utility Fund accounts for 33.3% of the costs associated with the utility billing process and one-half of the costs associated with meter reading. The remaining costs for utility billing are allocated to the Sewer Utility Fund - 33.3% and the Refuse Utility Fund 33.3%; except the costs for meter reading are allocated 50% each to the Water and Sewer Funds. The proposed 2026 budget is an increase of $20,900 or 9% over 2025. The majority of this increase is in the administrative labor transfer to the general fund, reflecting both the direct services of the utility billing staff in the general fund and the indirect administrative labor of a portion of all applicable managerial staff. As described in the budget narrative for Finance department 101.1510 labor increases under current contracts were approximately 7% with cost of living increases and seniority step increases combined. Additionally, the portion of managerial labor allocated to this function was adjusted to fit current time estimates. We note the approximately $20,000 increase shown above from 2024 to 2025 in the Other Services and Charges category is the sewer fund's 50% share of the new meter-reading software subscriptions implemented in 2024-2025 in conjunction with the concurrent Citywide meter replacement program. These software subscriptions are continued into the 2026 budget. 39 51 Item 3. Property Cap Equip Fire Inspections Replacement Fire 101.2200 101.2300 431.2200 Revenue Taxes 1,824,800 470,400 - Licenses & Permits 351,900 -- Intergovernmental 170,000 -82,000 Charges for Services 102,300 -- Fines & Forfeits --- Miscellaneous --5,300 Sales and Related Charges --- Transfers & Non Rev Receipts --- Total Revenue 2,449,000 470,400 87,300 Expenses Personnel Services 1,871,400 433,700 - Supplies 149,700 3,500 12,000 Other Services & Charges 391,000 23,700 - Capital Outlay --60,000 Contingencies & Transfers --- Total Expenses 2,412,100 460,900 72,000 Change in Fund Balance 36,900 9,500 15,300 City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota BUDGET 2026 Fire 4040 52 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: FIRE 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2200 FIRE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 1,617,000 1,619,500 1,780,900 1,871,400 1,871,400 - Supplies 96,300 135,400 105,000 149,700 149,700 - Other Services & Charges 375,500 356,000 345,500 391,000 391,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: FIRE 2,088,800 2,110,900 2,231,400 2,412,100 2,412,100 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Fire Department plays a crucial role in safeguarding the residents of Columbia Heights and Hilltop by offering essential prevention and response services for all types of hazards. These indispensable services encompass: •Emergency medical services •Swift and effective fire suppression and investigation •Informative public outreach programs •Vigorous enforcement of fire codes •Valuable support in emergency management Moreover, the Fire Department collaborates closely with local, state, and federal agencies to develop and execute emergency management strategies tailored to the needs of Columbia Heights. Through these collaborative efforts, the Fire Department ensures the continuous safeguarding of public safety, health, and well-being during crises and natural calamities. The Fire Department maintains a robust operational status, and the City's emergency management division is adept and well-prepared. The Fire Department’s proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year reflects an overall increase of 8.1%, primarily driven by rising personnel costs, which are partially offset by an 8.6% decrease in the Property Maintenance budget. Increases were also made to the Protective Clothing and Professional Services line items, while funding for most other areas remains consistent with 2025 levels. PERSONNEL SERVICES:The proposed 2026 budget reflects a 5.% increase in personnel costs compared to 2025. This modest adjustment accounts for standard wage and benefit changes necessary to maintain staffing levels and ensure continued service delivery to the community. SUPPLIES:A proposed $24,000 combined increase in the Protective Clothing and Uniform line items is necessary to outfit 4 to 5 incoming Paid-On-Call Firefighters with uniforms and full sets of turnout gear and to replace gear that is damaged or has reached the end of its service life. Each complete set—consisting of a coat, pants, hood, boots, and gloves—currently costs approximately $4,500 and is expected to rise. These items are essential for ensuring the safety of our personnel and must meet current NFPA standards. Maintaining properly equipped firefighters is fundamental to our operational readiness and safety protocols. OTHER SERVICE CHARGES:An allocation of $25,000 under Professional Services is proposed to fund an Emotional Resilience Training program for 25 Paid-On-Call Firefighters. This initiative is a proactive investment in the mental health and well-being of our team, designed to mitigate stress, reduce burnout, and enhance performance in high-pressure situations. It also supports the department’s long-term efforts in recruitment, retention, and overall personnel sustainability. 41 53 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: FIRE 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2200 FIRE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 1,617,000 1,619,500 1,780,900 1,871,400 1,871,400 - Supplies 96,300 135,400 105,000 149,700 149,700 - Other Services & Charges 375,500 356,000 345,500 391,000 391,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: FIRE 2,088,800 2,110,900 2,231,400 2,412,100 2,412,100 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Fire Department plays a crucial role in safeguarding the residents of Columbia Heights and Hilltop by offering essential prevention and response services for all types of hazards. These indispensable services encompass: •Emergency medical services •Swift and effective fire suppression and investigation •Informative public outreach programs •Vigorous enforcement of fire codes •Valuable support in emergency management Moreover, the Fire Department collaborates closely with local, state, and federal agencies to develop and execute emergency management strategies tailored to the needs of Columbia Heights. Through these collaborative efforts, the Fire Department ensures the continuous safeguarding of public safety, health, and well-being during crises and natural calamities. The Fire Department maintains a robust operational status, and the City's emergency management division is adept and well-prepared. The Fire Department’s proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year reflects an overall increase of 8.1%, primarily driven by rising personnel costs, which are partially offset by an 8.6% decrease in the Property Maintenance budget. Increases were also made to the Protective Clothing and Professional Services line items, while funding for most other areas remains consistent with 2025 levels. PERSONNEL SERVICES:The proposed 2026 budget reflects a 5.% increase in personnel costs compared to 2025. This modest adjustment accounts for standard wage and benefit changes necessary to maintain staffing levels and ensure continued service delivery to the community. SUPPLIES:A proposed $24,000 combined increase in the Protective Clothing and Uniform line items is necessary to outfit 4 to 5 incoming Paid-On-Call Firefighters with uniforms and full sets of turnout gear and to replace gear that is damaged or has reached the end of its service life. Each complete set—consisting of a coat, pants, hood, boots, and gloves—currently costs approximately $4,500 and is expected to rise. These items are essential for ensuring the safety of our personnel and must meet current NFPA standards. Maintaining properly equipped firefighters is fundamental to our operational readiness and safety protocols. OTHER SERVICE CHARGES:An allocation of $25,000 under Professional Services is proposed to fund an Emotional Resilience Training program for 25 Paid-On-Call Firefighters. This initiative is a proactive investment in the mental health and well-being of our team, designed to mitigate stress, reduce burnout, and enhance performance in high-pressure situations. It also supports the department’s long-term efforts in recruitment, retention, and overall personnel sustainability. 42 54 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: PROPERTY INSPECTIONS 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2300 PROPERTY INSPECTIONS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 455,000 412,000 474,600 433,700 433,700 - Supplies 1,600 2,400 3,900 3,500 3,500 - Other Services & Charges 7,900 8,000 23,000 23,700 23,700 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: PROPERTY INSPECTIONS 464,500 422,400 501,500 460,900 460,900 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The purpose of the Property Maintenance and Rental Inspection division is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public and rental occupants by enforcing city ordinances and building and property maintenance codes. The division is managed by the Assistant Fire Chief and consists of two fulltime inspectors, and a full-time administrative assistant. The budget is comprised of expenses related to enforcement activities of the City's property maintenance code including rental property licensing and inspections, nuisance inspections, and commercial property inspections. The program sets the City's minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures, and equipment guaranteeing the following: -Rental units have proper light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, and protection from the elements. -Residents have life safety measures in case of fires and other hazards. -Determine and enforce safe and sanitary property maintenance duties. -Hold owners and operators accountable for clear violations of building and property maintenance codes. -Verify the occupancy of existing structures and premises and determine code compliance. -Administration, enforcement, and penalties. The 2026 Property Maintenance budget reflects an approximate 8.1% decrease from the 2025 adopted budget. This reduction is due to the transfer of responsibilities for grass, snow, and outside storage inspections and abatements from the Fire Department to the Community Development Department. 43 55 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: ABATEMENT PROJECTS 415 CAPITAL IMPRVMT - PIR PROJ Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6450 ABATEMENT PROJECTS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 68,600 76,100 ---- Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: ABATEMENT PROJECTS 68,600 76,100 ---- Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department accounts for the direct costs of code enforcement efforts to eliminate (abate) nuisance and hazardous conditions on private property. Routinely, this includes mowing long grass and weeds, sidewalk snow removal, and removal of outside storage/junk hauling. At times, this code enforcement is more involved and requires obtaining an administrative search warrant to address issues with buildings on the private property. Beginning in 2025, this activity is reported under Protective Inspections #201.42400. 4444 56 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT GENERAL 431 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2200 FIRE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies -51,400 -12,000 12,000 - Other Services & Charges -37,700 ---- Capital Outlay 8,400 1,509,900 -60,000 60,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT GENERAL8,400 1,599,000 -72,000 72,000 - Activity Description Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Fire Capital Equipment Replacement - General Fund exists to fund the long term ongoing capital equipment needs in the general fund. The department's detailed 20-year projection schedule of equipment needs and long term replacement shall be updated to reflect current department priorities and an all-hazards approach to response and provisions of service. Loose Equipment for New Engine: The Fire Department is requesting a capital equipment allocation of $60,000 in the 2026 budget to support the purchase of loose equipment for a new fire engine scheduled for delivery that year. This funding will ensure the apparatus is fully equipped and ready for service upon delivery. Items to be purchased include essential firefighting and medical tools such as hose, nozzles, hand tools, adapters, fittings, and emergency medical equipment. These components are critical for maintaining operational readiness and ensuring a seamless transition into service. Kitchen Cabinets & Appliances In 2025, the fire department explored the possibility of utilizing Public Safety Aid funds to support facility improvements but was ultimately unable to secure funding through that channel. As an alternative approach, the department is proposing to move forward with remodeling the kitchen, focusing on replacing both the cabinets and aging appliances. To facilitate this effort, the cabinet replacement portion of the project is included and will be presented in Building Fund 411, managed through Public Works. In addition, the 2026 proposed budget allocates $12,000 in the Minor Equipment line item specifically for the purchase and installation of new kitchen appliances to complete the remodel. 45 57 Item 3. Cap. Equip IT IT 720.9980 437.9980 Revenue Taxes -- Licenses & Permits -- Intergovernmental -- Charges for Services -- Fines & Forfeits -- Miscellaneous 8,000 8,000 Sales and Related Charges 553,500 22,500 Transfers & Non Rev Receipts 450,000 - Total Revenue 1,011,500 30,500 Expenses Personnel Services 785,700 - Supplies 15,400 - Other Services and Charges 230,900 10,000 Capital Outlay -- Contingencies & Transfers -- Total Expenses 1,032,000 10,000 Change in Fund Balance (20,500)20,500 City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota BUDGET 2026 Information Technology 46 58 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 720 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9980 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 596,100 625,800 752,700 785,700 785,700 - Supplies 22,100 52,400 19,300 15,400 15,400 - Other Services & Charges 132,700 151,100 231,400 230,900 230,900 - Capital Outlay -28,500 ---- Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: INFORMATION SYSTEMS 750,900 857,800 1,003,400 1,032,000 1,032,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Information Technology (IT) Department is responsible for the implementation, management, support, and cybersecurity of technology used by City staff across all City facilities. As the City's reliance on technology continues to grow, it is essential to maintain dedicated resources to ensure reliable support and the ongoing development of the City's technology environment. Modern tools and regular training improve employee productivity and help reduce the total cost of technology ownership.Key components include: - Approximately 280 desktop, virtual, and portable computers - More than 270 telephones, with over 570 assigned phone numbers and voicemail boxes - 65 physical and virtual servers and storage systems - More than 40 printers, copiers, and scanners - Approximately 250 network devices; supporting video security, building access control, and automation - Twenty databases supporting internal services and public-facing applications - A Laserfiche document imaging system with roughly 470,000 documents containing 3.8 million pages - Cloud-hosted applications, including Microsoft 365 - Comprehensive cybersecurity services, including 24x7x365 incident response, CJIS and PCI compliance, penetration testing, and critical infrastructure protection - A fiberoptic and copper campus-wide network - Computer-aided dispatch and mobile computing systems used in Fire and Police vehicles - City-wide security and license plate recognition (LPR) camera systems - Secure and compliant use of generative AI tools The 2026 IT budget will prioritize investments in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and modernization of the City's telecommunications infrastructure. Cybersecurity Initiatives FortiSRA: Secure remote access software for managing vendor connections to the City's network. Incident Response Retainer: Expanding 24x7x365 incident response coverage to include all City departments. MS-ISAC Membership: Now operating under a membership fee model after previously being federally funded. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Event logging and dissemination for threat detection and compliance. Cybersecurity Training: Ongoing employee education to reduce risks and enhance awareness of security practices. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiatives Azure OpenAI Deployment: Launching a compliant AI within Azure Government to enable secure use of generative AI by staff. Private Model Training: Training AI models focused on compliance, security, data integrity, fairness, and ethical standards. Telecommunications Modernization The City's current phone system has reached end-of-life, and recent service changes have impacted the City. In 2026, IT will migrate to a softphone-based solution. This upgrade will provide enhanced communication features to City staff. Physical desk phones will be replaced throughout the City however staff can opt for a software phone only. Departments have been instructed to budget for phone replacements in their 2026 plans. Departments have also been asked to budget 18 percent increase in their Telephone budget to accommodate this transition. To help offset the impact of this change, IT has proposed no increase to the Information Technology – Internal Services 44040 line item for 2026. 47 59 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: IT CAPITAL EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT 437 IT CAPITAL EQUIPMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9980 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 18,300 ----- Other Services & Charges ---10,000 10,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: IS CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT 18,300 --10,000 10,000 - Activity Description Punches, calculators, organizers, etc. Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The IT Capital Equipment Fund #437 is primarily used for IT hardware, software, and project costs, with a useful life of more than one year and a per item cost of $15,000 or more. Items meeting these criteria are not expensed against the budget in the year of purchase, but are instead depreciated over 3-10 years with an annual portion of the depreciation expense charged to each year's budget within the IT Operating Fund #720. IT will be replacing two core servers with new hardware that will form a hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) cluster. This cluster consolidates storage and computing resources into a unified system, serving as the primary platform for all City data and virtual machine hosting. These physical servers, also referred to as host servers, are critical to maintaining the City's digital infrastructure. This $90,000 investment in 2026 equipment will be capitalized, with the expense recognized as depreciation in the I/T Fund 720 operating budget over the next five years. As part of this project, Windows Server licensing will be upgraded for all guest virtual machines running on the new hosts to ensure compliance, security, and compatibility with current technologies. 48 60 Item 3. Library 240.5500 Revenue Taxes 1,292,000 Licenses & Permits - Intergovernmental - Charges for Services 13,100 Fines & Forfeits 400 Miscellaneous 11,500 Sales and Related Charges - Transfers & Non Rev Receipts - Total Revenue 1,317,000 Expenses Personnel Services 860,400 Supplies 117,900 Other Services and Charges 314,600 Capital Outlay - Contingencies & Transfers 24,100 Total Expenses 1,317,000 Change in Fund Balance - City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota BUDGET 2026 Library 49 61 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY 240 LIBRARY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5500 LIBRARY Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 720,500 800,000 858,100 860,400 860,400 - Supplies 94,900 98,100 112,700 117,900 117,900 - Other Services & Charges 281,300 281,400 302,900 314,600 314,600 - Capital Outlay 1,500 500 ---- Contingencies & Transfers 18,000 18,600 19,300 24,100 24,100 - TOTALS: LIBRARY 1,116,200 1,198,600 1,293,000 1,317,000 1,317,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Columbia Heights Public Library serves the individual and community with responsive collections, innovative programming, professional staff, and access to resources in order to nurture community, creativity, opportunity, and knowledge. The Library collects and lends materials in multiple physical and digital formats including print, audio, and video. It provides educational classes and programs including literacy-based storytimes and STEM workshops, adult language learning and literacy programs, reading programs, arts and cultural events, and services such as a volunteer program, and home delivery of materials. The Library provides free access to computer hardware and software, the internet, and online research and instructional databases. It provides space for individual work, study and public meetings. Library staff provide one-on-one and class-based instruction as well as research and reference assistance. The Library contracts with Anoka County Library for inclusion in integrated library system software to manage patron information and collection inventory, delivery of materials, and access to electronic resources. It participates in the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (as an Associate Library), the Minitex multi-state interlibrary loan program, the Statewide Borrowers' Compact, and METRONET. These cooperative agreements enable Columbia Heights residents to gain access to library materials, special services, and electronic resources throughout the state of Minnesota and provide staff with professional development and training opportunities. The proposed 2026 Library budget includes an overall increase of $24,000 (1.9%) over 2025. Personnel Services is essentially flat. It incorporates the wage increases negotiated in collective bargaining agreements for full-time staff. It also reduces part-time salary expenditures to mirror actuals during the previous two budgets. Supplies incorporates a 4.6% increase over 2025. It includes estimated costs for the purchase of new telephone equipment and a substantial increase for eBooks. A slight increase for streaming video content was estimated based using actual expenditures in the first quarter of 2025. Slight decreases have been made for print material, compact discs, and book/audio kits. Other Services and Charges has increased by 3.9% over 2025. Growth is due to increased costs for telephone service, increased estimates for electricity and natural gas utilities, and anticipated increases for building and equipment maintenance and repair. No Capital Outlay is anticipated in 2026. Contingencies and Transfers incorporates a 24.9% increase for the Library's share of city administration. 50 62 Item 3. Li q u o r St o r e # 1 St o r e # 2 St o r e # 3 No n - O p e r a t i n g De b t S e r v i c e 60 9 . 9 7 9 1 60 9 . 9 7 9 2 60 9 . 9 7 9 3 60 9 . 9 7 9 4 63 9 . 7 0 0 0 Re v e n u e Ta x e s - - - - - Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s - - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l 3, 0 0 0 - - - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s - - - - - Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s 25 , 0 0 0 - - - 3, 5 0 0 Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s 5, 0 0 8 , 5 0 0 3, 7 2 4 , 0 0 0 1, 6 4 3 , 5 0 0 - - Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s - - - - 32 0 , 0 0 0 To t a l R e v e n u e 5, 0 3 6 , 5 0 0 3, 7 2 4 , 0 0 0 1, 6 4 3 , 5 0 0 - 32 3 , 5 0 0 Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s 66 7 , 6 0 0 57 7 , 5 0 0 30 1 , 4 0 0 - - Su p p l i e s , i n c l u d i n g c o s t o f g o o d s 3, 6 6 1 , 0 0 0 2, 7 2 9 , 6 0 0 1, 2 2 1 , 4 0 0 - - Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s 33 2 , 1 0 0 27 8 , 7 0 0 11 0 , 9 0 0 2, 4 0 0 - Ca p i t a l O u t l a y - - - - 24 , 9 0 0 Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s - - - 48 2 , 4 0 0 - To t a l E x p e n s e s 4, 6 6 0 , 7 0 0 3, 5 8 5 , 8 0 0 1, 6 3 3 , 7 0 0 48 4 , 8 0 0 24 , 9 0 0 Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e 37 5 , 8 0 0 13 8 , 2 0 0 9, 8 0 0 (4 8 4 , 8 0 0 ) 29 8 , 6 0 0 C i t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 Li q u o r 51 63 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: LIQUOR STORE #1 609 LIQUOR Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9791 LIQUOR STORE #1 Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 591,300 606,200 634,900 667,600 667,600 - Supplies 3,547,200 3,522,100 3,594,600 3,661,000 3,661,000 - Other Services & Charges 316,700 306,000 335,800 332,100 332,100 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: LIQUOR STORE #1 4,455,200 4,434,300 4,565,300 4,660,700 4,660,700 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 Under MN statute, the primary purpose of municipal liquor stores is to safely control the distribution of alcohol. Municipal liquor stores can also generate income for the community, reducing the amount of property taxes otherwise required for City operations. This income opportunity is limited however, by significant market competition within the metro area. The City of Columbia Heights' three liquor stores operate under the brand name of Top Valu, and their combined annual activity is within the top ten in municipal liquor sales in Minnesota. This has provided funds for both City infrastructure and for community policing programs, such as D.A.R.E., to mitigate the negative effects of alcohol in the community. The cost of goods purchased for resale is included above within the Supplies category of the budget, and scaled to the level of sales forecasted for each budget year. Factoring out the cost of goods purchased for resale, the proposed increase in operating expenses budgeted for all three stores combined for 2026 is $58,400 or 3% over the 2025 budget. 60% of this combined increase for all three stores is in personnel, the largest category of store operating expenses. The personnel increases reflect a combination of cost-of-living increases for all staff and seniority step raises for those staff not yet at year 5 in the wage scale. To some extent these seniority step increases are offset by the inherent turnover rate for part-time retail clerks. The increase in nonpersonnnel costs include estimated inflation and the one-time replacement of telephones in 2026. 52 64 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: LIQUOR STORE #2 609 LIQUOR Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9792 LIQUOR STORE #2 Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 512,400 512,500 556,800 577,500 577,500 - Supplies 2,190,100 2,504,700 2,614,400 2,729,600 2,729,600 - Other Services & Charges 243,900 248,900 270,200 278,700 278,700 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: LIQUOR STORE #2 2,946,400 3,266,100 3,441,400 3,585,800 3,585,800 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 Under MN statute, the primary purpose of municipal liquor stores is to safely control the distribution of alcohol. Municipal liquor stores can also generate income for the community, reducing the amount of property taxes otherwise required for City operations. This income opportunity is limited however, by significant market competition within the metro area. The City of Columbia Heights' three liquor stores operate under the brand name of Top Valu, and their combined annual activity is within the top ten in municipal liquor sales in Minnesota. This has provided funds for both City infrastructure and for community policing programs, such as D.A.R.E., to mitigate the negative effects of alcohol in the community. The cost of goods purchased for resale is included above within the Supplies category of the budget, and scaled to the level of sales forecasted for each budget year. Factoring out the cost of goods purchased for resale, the proposed increase in operating expenses budgeted for all three stores combined for 2026 is $58,400 or 3% over the 2025 budget. 60% of this combined increase for all three stores is in personnel, the largest category of store operating expenses. The personnel increases reflect a combination of cost-of-living increases for all staff and seniority step raises for those staff not yet at year 5 in the wage scale. To some extent these seniority step increases are offset by the inherent turnover rate for part-time retail clerks. The increase in nonpersonnnel costs include estimated inflation and the one-time replacement of telephones in 2026. Staff recommends replacing the digital message board within the existing brick monument sign at Store 2 in 2026 at a cost of approximately $60,000. Key replacement parts are no longer available for this obsolete 15 year old electronic device. The west side of the board is out completely after having consolidated parts from both sides to make the east side operational. Recently, the east side been intermittently failing. As this long-term investment is in an enterprise fund, it will be capitalized and an annual portion of the cost will be recognized as depreciation each year in the Liquor operating budget over the useful life of the message board. Consequently the $60,000 total cost of the replacement is not reported above as a 2026 expenditure. 53 65 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: LIQUOR STORE #3 609 LIQUOR Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9793 LIQUOR STORE #3 Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 280,300 285,100 320,600 301,400 301,400 - Supplies 1,196,000 1,172,200 1,372,200 1,221,400 1,221,400 - Other Services & Charges 105,600 114,800 96,800 110,900 110,900 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: LIQUOR STORE #3 1,581,900 1,572,100 1,789,600 1,633,700 1,633,700 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 Under MN statute, the primary purpose of municipal liquor stores is to safely control the distribution of alcohol. Municipal liquor stores can also generate income for the community, reducing the amount of property taxes otherwise required for City operations. This income opportunity is limited however, by significant market competition within the metro area. The City of Columbia Heights' three liquor stores operate under the brand name of Top Valu, and their combined annual activity is within the top ten in municipal liquor sales in Minnesota. This has provided funds for both City infrastructure and for community policing programs, such as D.A.R.E., to mitigate the negative effects of alcohol in the community. The cost of goods purchased for resale is included above within the Supplies category of the budget, and scaled to the level of sales forecasted for each budget year. Factoring out the cost of goods purchased for resale, the proposed increase in operating expenses budgeted for all three stores combined for 2026 is $58,400 or 3% over the 2025 budget. 60% of this combined increase for all three stores is in personnel, the largest category of store operating expenses. The personnel increases reflect a combination of cost-of-living increases for all staff and seniority step raises for those staff not yet at year 5 in the wage scale. To some extent these seniority step increases are offset by the inherent turnover rate for part-time retail clerks. The increase in nonpersonnnel costs include estimated inflation and the one-time replacement of telephones in 2026. 54 66 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: LIQUOR NON-OPERATING 609 LIQUOR Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9794 LIQUOR NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 1,700 12,000 1,800 2,400 2,400 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 480,400 487,800 482,800 482,400 482,400 - TOTALS: LIQUOR NON-OPERATING 482,100 499,800 484,600 484,800 484,800 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 To improve the analysis of results at each of the three stores, activity that is not a function of store operations is accounted for separately in the non-operating department 49794. These nonoperating activities routinely include acquisition of equipment over $5,000; construction of building or parking lot improvements; debt service; and transfers to other city funds. The 2026 budget for the Liquor non-operating department includes the following annual recurring items: •$2,400 for gas and electricity at the former Heartland property not currently used in store operations. •Transfer to the Liquor Debt Service Fund for debt service on store #1 and store #2 at $325,000 (The final year of this annual debt service is 2028.) •Transfer to the General Fund for administrative labor $97,400 •Transfer to the General Fund for community policing programs $10,000 •Transfer to the Infrastructure Fund for street projects $50,000 55 67 Item 3. Police Capital Police Equipment 101.2100 431.2100 Revenue Taxes 7,027,300 - Licenses & Permits 41,000 - Intergovernmental 504,000 94,500 Charges for Services 394,800 - Fines & Forfeits 117,400 - Miscellaneous 17,000 6,100 Sales and Related Charges -- Transfers & Non Rev Receipts -- Total Revenue 8,101,500 100,600 Expenses Personnel Services 6,534,400 - Supplies 266,500 3,800 Other Services & Charges 1,158,500 - Capital Outlay -79,200 Contingencies & Transfers -- Total Expenses 7,959,400 83,000 Change in Fund Balance 142,100 17,600 City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota BUDGET 2026 Police 56 68 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: POLICE 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2100 POLICE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 5,088,200 5,551,900 6,178,000 6,534,400 6,534,400 - Supplies 301,800 341,400 257,700 266,500 266,500 - Other Services & Charges 757,800 1,002,400 1,045,000 1,158,500 1,158,500 - Capital Outlay 80,000 115,600 ---- Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: POLICE 6,227,800 7,011,300 7,480,700 7,959,400 7,959,400 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This is the general budget for day-to-day operations in the Police Department, including personnel costs, general supply costs, and other services and charges. The Police Department provides public safety and crime prevention services to the citizens of Columbia Heights and Hilltop. This includes police patrol, investigations, community policing activities, the Street Crimes unit, a Drug Task Force officer, A BCA Violent Crime Reduction Unit Officer, Youth Outreach Officer (Dist #13), traffic enforcement, code enforcement, a co-responding social worker program, and administration. The biggest changes to the Police Department’s 2026 budget request include: Personnel: In 2025 the city council approved a reorganization of the police department administration and a few key positions including the addition of a Captain position. These changes are reflected in the 2026 budget, along with market rate adjustments for key positions and a 4% COLA increase determined by collective bargaining. 2026 is the first year of the MN Paid Leave tax reflected in the personnel budget. The BCA Violent Crime Reduction Unit position continues to be fully funded by the BCA for 2026. Supplies: Several line items in the Supplies section were adjusted to reflect increased expenses. End User Devices 42011 was adjusted to $19,700 to account for the expense to update the police department phone system as part of the city-wide project. Food and Supplies 42175 adjusted to $11,000 to reflect additional community events and meetings and coffee service contract. Gas, Oil and Lubricants 42282 was lowered to $65,000 to better reflect actual use. Police Narrative Continued on Next Page 57 69 Item 3. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 Police Narrative Continued Other Services and Charges: Expert and Professional Services 43050 is budgeted at $242,300 with the largest portion covering the social worker agreement with Canvas Health. Also included is $15,000 for Lexipol, the service which provides MN-specific policies, researched and written by subject matter experts and vetted by attorneys. The cost of animal impound services has continued to increase. Funds are also being budgeted for leadership development consulting and vet services for the Therapy Dog Program. Training and Education 43105 was adjusted to $78,000 as our needs for training have increased with the turnover of staff. This includes budget for development, leadership, and instructor training. Education Reimbursement 43210 is being adjusted to account for skills education reimbursement for CSO’s promoted to officers, and education reimbursement for staff pursuing bachelors and masters college degrees. Cell Phones 43211 shows an increase that is actually a shift from 43250 Other Communications. The city IT has taken over the administration of cell phones, to include squad car internet connection, and the line items were combined and moved into the correct fund. Software and Subscriptions 44030 is adjusted to $127,300 due to increased dues for the Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council (JLEC) and our portion of the county-wide systems. Officer 365 expenses also increased by more than double for 2026. This line also reflects increased costs for investigative software. Rents and Leases was adjusted to $124,600 to reflect the increases in the Axon contract the council approved in 2025. The cost is being phased in over multiple years while be offset by Public Safety Budget funds. 58 70 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: POLICE CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 431 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2100 POLICE CAPITAL EQUIPMENT Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 9,000 7,300 7,400 3,800 3,800 - Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay 246,000 294,300 233,800 79,200 79,200 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: POLICE CAPITAL EQUIPMENT255,000 301,600 241,200 83,000 83,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. The Capital Equipment budget for 2026 includes: The purchase of one squad car with outfitting and the replacement of lockers in the public safety locker rooms. In 2025 the police department caught up on the back ordered squad cars and set up. Accordingly, the police department is budgeting to replace one squad car in 2026 to include equipment and set up. The police department is budgeting to replace the personnel lockers in the public safety building. This is a continuation of the same issues observed in the evidence lockers that prompted a replacement in 2025. The current lockers are prone to malfunction and jamming and repeated attempts to repair and maintain them have not resolved the issue. The women’s locker room is in the worst shape with some officers choosing not to secure their locker or needing to use tools to open them. The police department is budgeting $167,200 to replace the lockers using pricing from the MN Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV). This replacement project is budgeted under Building Fund 411 within the Public Works chapter. 59 71 Item 3. St . A i d M a i n t St a t e A i d C o n s Ca p I m p Ca p I m p Ca p I m p Bu i l d i n g Pa r k s Ca p I m p In f r a s t r u c t u r e St o r m Bu i l d i n g En g i n e e r i n g Ma i n t e n a n c e Co n s t r u c t i o n Po l i c e Fi r e Li b r a r y Ga r a g e Ca p I m p PI R P r o j Fu n d Se w e r Ma i n t . 10 1 . 3 1 0 0 21 2 . 3 1 9 0 40 2 . 3 1 9 1 41 1 . 2 1 0 0 41 1 . 2 2 0 0 41 1 . 5 5 0 0 41 1 . 9 9 5 0 41 2 . 5 2 0 0 41 5 . 6 4 0 0 43 0 . 6 3 2 3 60 4 . 9 6 9 0 70 5 . 9 9 7 0 Re v e n u e Ta x e s 67 7 , 6 0 0 - - - - - - - - - - - Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s - - - - - - - - - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l - 24 7 , 0 0 0 90 0 , 0 0 0 16 8 , 0 0 0 40 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 99 2 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 - 50 , 0 0 0 - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s - - - - - - - - - - - - Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s - - - - - - - - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s - - - - - - 81 0 , 0 0 0 15 , 0 0 0 - 20 , 0 0 0 - 1, 0 0 0 Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s - - - - - - - - - - 17 3 , 9 0 0 28 4 , 3 0 0 Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s - - - - - - - 10 0 , 0 0 0 60 0 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 - - To t a l R e v e n u e 67 7 , 6 0 0 24 7 , 0 0 0 90 0 , 0 0 0 16 8 , 0 0 0 40 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 1, 8 0 2 , 0 0 0 16 5 , 0 0 0 60 0 , 0 0 0 12 0 , 0 0 0 17 3 , 9 0 0 28 5 , 3 0 0 Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s 46 4 , 0 0 0 13 0 , 5 0 0 - - - - - - - 72 , 5 0 0 17 2 , 1 0 0 28 9 , 0 0 0 Su p p l i e s 20 , 4 0 0 19 , 5 0 0 - - - - - - - - - 4, 1 0 0 Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s 17 9 , 0 0 0 90 , 8 0 0 55 , 0 0 0 - - - - 45 , 0 0 0 - 55 , 0 0 0 1, 8 0 0 8, 0 0 0 Ca p i t a l O u t l a y 50 0 - 77 5 , 0 0 0 16 8 , 0 0 0 40 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 80 0 , 0 0 0 67 5 , 0 0 0 60 0 , 0 0 0 28 5 , 0 0 0 - - Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s - - - - - - - - - - - - To t a l E x p e n s e s 66 3 , 9 0 0 24 0 , 8 0 0 83 0 , 0 0 0 16 8 , 0 0 0 40 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 80 0 , 0 0 0 72 0 , 0 0 0 60 0 , 0 0 0 41 2 , 5 0 0 17 3 , 9 0 0 30 1 , 1 0 0 Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e 13 , 7 0 0 6, 2 0 0 70 , 0 0 0 - - - 1, 0 0 2 , 0 0 0 (5 5 5 , 0 0 0 ) - (2 9 2 , 5 0 0 ) - (1 5 , 8 0 0 ) Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 En g i n e e r i n g & F a c i l i t i e s 60 72 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: ENGINEERING 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 3100 ENGINEERING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 422,400 425,500 456,600 464,000 464,000 - Supplies 7,700 23,600 14,400 20,400 20,400 - Other Services & Charges 77,700 134,800 120,100 179,000 179,000 - Capital Outlay 100 100 -500 500 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: ENGINEERING 507,900 584,000 591,100 663,900 663,900 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department provides engineering services for current, planned and past public improvement projects. These activities include feasibility analysis, construction design, assessments, construction contract administration and project inspection. It also includes project management for engineering consultant or JPA projects. The administration of the NPDES permit requirements is performed by Engineering; TMDL reporting to the State; and all responsibilities of assessing department and its functions. Other activities include general engineering, technical and public record keeping, GIS implementation, digital and hardcopy of file maintenance, and public contact. The 2026 Engineering budget has a proposed increase of $72,800 or 12%. The majority of this increase is in Other Services and charges, including an increase in expert and professional services of $25,000 to account for anticipated support consulting services. Repair and maintenance services also increased $25,000 to account for increased costs due to the Street Maintenance JPA dissolving. Concurrent with splitting the prior public works division into two divisions for the 2026 budget, whereby Engineering & Facilities is now a separate division from the Public Works division, there is now one fulltime director level position for each of the two resulting divisions. Where previously the scope of this activity was overseen by a single director. This increase in budgeted staffing is spread across all departments of the two resulting divisions. It was somewhat offset by the elimination of a part-time clerical position, and the effect of new hires or new promotees budgeted at less senior salary steps than outgoing incumbents. 61 73 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: STATE AID MAINTENANCE 212 STATE AID MAINTENANCE Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 3190 STATE AID MAINTENANCE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 65,000 96,600 121,100 130,500 130,500 - Supplies 9,200 22,400 7,700 19,500 19,500 - Other Services & Charges 45,700 19,900 84,000 90,800 90,800 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: STATE AID MAINTENANCE 119,900 138,900 212,800 240,800 240,800 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity provides for the maintenance and repair of state aid streets, ROW and MSA facilities as designated within the City and is funded by the Municipal State Aid system. The proposed 2026 budget is an increase of $28,000 or 13% from 2025. Personnel costs will increase $9,400 or 8% for 2026. More than half of this reflects increases in labor agreements for cost- of-living, benefits, and seniority step raises. The remainder reflects both reallocation of existing personnel between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities, as well as one additional director level position between these two divisions over the 2025 budget. With the Supplies category, general supplies increased by $10,000 to better align with prior years actual expenses. Within the Other Services & Charges category, expert and professional services increased by $5,000 based on expected consultant fees and replacing the street maintenance JPA(s). 62 74 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: STATE AID CONSTRUCTION 402 STATE AID CONSTRUCTION Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 3191 STATE AID GEN'L. CONSTRUCTION Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 54,600 --55,000 55,000 - Capital Outlay 655,400 378,500 -775,000 775,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: STATE AID CONSTRUCTION 710,000 378,500 -830,000 830,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 Mill & Overlay of State Aid streets based on pavement ratings. Two major State Aid projects are proposed for 2026: 1. Reconstruction of 40th Avenue from Main Street to University Avenue. City share is estimated at $400,000 based on existing cost share agreement with the County. 2. Street Rehab, primarily mill and overlay, is proposed on State-Aid streets in the City, with construction estimated at $975,000, with 375,000 from the City's State-Aid account and $600,000 from the Public Improvement Revolving (PIR) Fund 415. Additionally Fund 402 will provide $55,000 of design and other engineering services. 63 75 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAPITAL IMP POLICE 411 CAPITAL IMP GEN GOV BLDG.Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2100 POLICE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay 103,200 31,500 -168,000 168,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAPITAL IMP GEN GOV BLDG.103,200 31,500 -168,000 168,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Police department is budgeting to replace the personnel lockers in the public safety building. This is a continuation of the same issues observed in the evidence lockers that prompted a replacement in 2025. The current lockers are prone to malfunction and jamming and repeated attempts to repair and maintain them have not resolved the issue. The women’s locker room is in the worst shape with some officers choosing not to secure their locker or needing to use tools to open them. The police department is budgeting $167,200 to replace the lockers using pricing from the MN Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV). This department is used to account for improvements to the building(s) occupied by this division. 64 76 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAPITAL IMP FIRE 411 CAPITAL IMP GEN GOV BLDG.Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 2200 FIRE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ---40,000 40,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAPITAL IMP GEN GOV BLDG.---40,000 40,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Fire department is proposing to replace the cabinetry in the public safety building kitchen. This is due to current poor condition and will be conducted by obtaining quotes for the work. This department is used to account for improvements to the building(s) occupied by this division. 65 77 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP IMP GEN GOV BLDG - MURZYN HALL 411 CAPITAL IMP-GEN GOVT. BLDG Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5129 MURZYN HALL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTAL: CAP IMP GEN GOV BLDG - MURZYN HALL------ Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for improvements to the building(s) occupied by this division. No requests in 2026. 66 78 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP IMP GEN GOV BLDG - LIBRARY 411 CAPITAL IMP-GEN GOVT. BLDG Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5500 LIBRARY Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ---50,000 50,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTAL: CAP IMP GEN GOV BLDG - LIBRARY ---50,000 50,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for improvements to the building(s) occupied by this division. The Library is proposing to replace the primary building boilers (2) due to condition. The Aerco boilers have had repeated repair issues and currently the heat exchangers are in need of replacement. It is more cost efficient to replace both units at $50,000 vs $38,000 for the heat exchangers. 67 79 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAPITAL IMP CENTRAL GARAGE 411 CAPITAL IMP GEN GOV BLDG.Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9950 CENTRAL GARAGE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ---800,000 800,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAPITAL IMP GEN GOV BLDG.---800,000 800,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 For 2026, $400,000 is budgeted for the purchase of the SACA building on the adjacent property subject to terms of the SACA lease. Additionally $400,000 is allocated for continuation of the Master Plan completed in 2022 for replacement of the facility, including design, soil borings and geo-tech. For 2026, both of these items are funded by a new-for 2026 Franchise Fee applied to gas and electric bills throughout the City. This department is used to account for minimal necessary repairs to continue to occupy the existing Municipal Service Center (aka Central Garage, aka the Public Works building) as well as provide for the eventual replacement of this obsolete facility. 68 80 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP IMP PARKS 412 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PARKS Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5200 PARKS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 5,200 19,800 -45,000 45,000 - Capital Outlay ---675,000 675,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP IMP PARKS 5,200 19,800 -720,000 720,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department accounts for major improvements to parks. An update is anticipated to be completed in 2026 by the Park and Recreation Commission to be used for future planning of Park Improvements. Two Project are proposed for 2026 Parks Capital Improvements: 1. Sullivan Lake Park Improvements: Partial grant funded for new play area, lighting, covered seating and trail connections following the installation of the Fitness Court in 2025. Estimated at $350,000 of matching funds for DNR Outdoor recreation grant amount of $350,000 for total project cost of $700,000. 2. Soccer Field Development: Construction of a new soccer field(s) from development plan conducted in 2026. Estimated at $225,000. Estimated cost may change depending on final development plan. 69 81 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP IMPROVEMENT STREET REHAB 415 CAPITAL IMPRVMT - PIR Proj Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6400 P.I.R.Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies -100 ---- Other Services & Charges 376,000 111,000 45,500 --- Capital Outlay 788,000 333,100 600,000 600,000 600,000 - Contingencies & Transfers 7,400 468,200 377,000 --- TOTALS: CAP IMP PARKS 1,171,400 912,400 1,022,500 600,000 600,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 For 2026, work is proposed on City's State-Aid System. $600,000 will be used from this fund, together with resources from the State Aid Street Construction Fund 402. Work will resume on Annual Street Rehab Zone Program in 2027. 70 82 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 430 INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6323 CAP IMP EXPENSE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services --127,300 72,500 72,500 - Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 57,700 161,200 50,000 55,000 55,000 - Capital Outlay 10,700 618,600 600,000 285,000 285,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 68,400 779,800 777,300 412,500 412,500 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The City's street rehabilitation program was initiated with funding from liquor funds in 1996, and with annual transfers, will perpetuate the continued investment into the maintenance and improvements of the City's streets. An additional source of revenue was secured in 2000, on a 2-year renewable cycle, with the certification of the City State-Aid Street System, making available limited state aid funding for local streets. For 2026, the Street Rehab Program will focus on State-Aid streets throughout the City. Amount shown is for City's share consistent with Street rehab cost share policy. In 2026, there is a proposed cost of $150K for application of a pavement rejuvenator, called reclamite, for several streets throughout the City, which replaces seal coating and for crack sealing city streets. Additionally, this budget includes both $55,000 for geotech services and $72,500 of staff time to support state aid projects and $135,000 of other various 2026 project costs. 71 83 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: STORM SEWER ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL 604 STORM SEWER Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9690 ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ---172,100 172,100 - Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges -2,100 1,600 1,800 1,800 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: STORM SEWER -2,100 1,600 173,900 173,900 - Activity Description Punches, calculators, organizers, etc. Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Administration Department of the Storm Sewer Utility Fund accounts for costs directly associated with this fund. At this time, there are no allocated costs for the utility billing process or meter reading in this fund. To support the split of the previous version of the Public Works division into two new divisions, beginning with the 2026 budget, all staff time assigned to the new Engineering & Facilities division that was reported in storm sewer department 604.9600 through 2025 is henceforth reported under this separate storm sewer department of 604.9690. Similarly, the only staff time that remains in the storm sewer department of 604.9600 after 2025 is that assigned to the new version of the Public Works division (post-split). Consequently, the increase in personnel shown above in 604.9690 of $172,100 for 2026 is offset by a related decrease of $128,300 in personnel shown in 604.9600 for 2026. Taken together, the (now) two storm sewer departments of 604.9600 and 604.9690 reflect a combined increase of $109,000 or 21% over 2025. $43,800 of this increase is in personnel, reflecting increases in labor agreements for cost-of-living, benefits, and seniority step raise, plus the reallocation of existing personnel between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities, as well as one additional director level position between these two divisions over the 2025 budget. $58,100 of the combined increased is in Other Services & Charges, to provide for an increased level of line cleaning and televising focused on the City's large trunk storem sewer lines to guide future rehabilitation efforts. 72 84 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CENTRAL GARAGE 705 BUILDING MAINTENANCE Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9970 BUILDING MAINT. INTERNAL SERVICES Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 243,600 251,800 285,200 289,000 289,000 - Supplies 6,900 2,900 4,700 4,100 4,100 - Other Services & Charges 3,900 8,200 7,700 8,000 8,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: BUILDING MAINT. INTERNAL SERVICES254,400 262,900 297,600 301,100 301,100 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department was transferred to Public Works in 2014. The department provides building maintenance services to city buildings. This includes both custodial services provided by part-time custodians, as well as analysis and coordination by the full-time Facilities Maintenance Supervisor of more technical building systems maintenance and repair requests. Costs of this department are allocated proportionately to use by each respective building/department. This is reflected as an internal charge in the budgets of the user departments. Note that the Recreation Department - Murzyn Hall budget (101.45129) includes additional part-time custodians, serving solely at Murzyn Hall, which are not included in this 701.49970 internal service department budget. The proposed 2026 facilities maintenance internal service budget is an increase of $3,500 or 1% over 2025. The 2026 budget maintains existing staffing levels, with 4% cost-of-living increases offset by certain mid-2025 clerical corrections to the employee database, resulting in a net increase of only 1% in budgeted personnel for 2026. 73 85 Item 3. St r e e t Ur b a n St r e e t s Li g h t i n g Tr a f f i c S i g n s Pa r k s Fo r e s t r y 10 1 . 3 1 2 1 10 1 . 3 1 6 0 10 1 . 3 1 7 0 10 1 . 5 2 0 0 10 1 . 6 1 0 2 Re v e n u e Ta x e s 1, 3 4 5 , 7 0 0 12 8 , 3 0 0 14 3 , 1 0 0 1, 3 7 5 , 3 0 0 32 6 , 2 0 0 Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s 16 , 0 0 0 - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l 20 , 5 0 0 - - - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s 3, 5 0 0 75 , 0 0 0 - - - Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s - - - - - Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s - - - - - Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s - - - - - To t a l R e v e n u e 1, 3 8 5 , 7 0 0 20 3 , 3 0 0 14 3 , 1 0 0 1, 3 7 5 , 3 0 0 32 6 , 2 0 0 Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s 78 2 , 9 0 0 5, 7 0 0 94 , 4 0 0 86 5 , 6 0 0 19 2 , 1 0 0 Su p p l i e s 30 9 , 6 0 0 10 , 1 0 0 20 , 1 0 0 13 9 , 9 0 0 51 , 4 0 0 Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s 26 4 , 0 0 0 18 2 , 4 0 0 25 , 7 0 0 34 2 , 0 0 0 76 , 1 0 0 Ca p i t a l O u t l a y 2, 0 0 0 2, 5 0 0 - - - Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s - - - - - To t a l E x p e n s e s 1, 3 5 8 , 5 0 0 20 0 , 7 0 0 14 0 , 2 0 0 1, 3 4 7 , 5 0 0 31 9 , 6 0 0 Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e 27 , 2 0 0 2, 6 0 0 2, 9 0 0 27 , 8 0 0 6, 6 0 0 Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 Pu b l i c W o r k s 74 86 Item 3. Ca p E q u i p Ca p E q u i p Ca p E q u i p Wa t e r Wa t e r Wa t e r Pa r k s St r e e t s Ur b a n F s t y Wa t e r So u r c e o f S u p p l y No n - O p e r Ca p E q u i p 43 1 . 5 2 0 0 43 1 . 3 1 2 1 43 1 . 6 1 0 2 60 1 . 9 6 0 0 60 1 . 9 4 0 0 60 1 . 9 6 9 9 43 3 . 9 6 9 9 Re v e n u e Ta x e s - - - - - - Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s - - - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l 17 6 , 5 0 0 32 4 , 6 0 0 96 , 9 0 0 - - - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s - - - - - - - Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s - - - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s 11 , 4 0 0 21 , 0 0 0 6, 2 0 0 40 , 0 0 0 - - - Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s - - - 2, 2 7 6 , 4 0 0 1, 9 4 1 , 0 0 0 - - Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s - - - - - - 50 , 0 0 0 To t a l R e v e n u e 18 7 , 9 0 0 34 5 , 6 0 0 10 3 , 1 0 0 2, 3 1 6 , 4 0 0 1, 9 4 1 , 0 0 0 - 50 , 0 0 0 Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s - - - 58 4 , 9 0 0 - - - Su p p l i e s - - - 13 5 , 6 0 0 1, 9 4 1 , 0 0 0 - - Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s - - - 69 8 , 5 0 0 - - - Ca p i t a l O u t l a y 15 5 , 0 0 0 28 5 , 0 0 0 85 , 0 0 0 - - - - Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s - - - 50 , 0 0 0 - - - To t a l E x p e n s e s 15 5 , 0 0 0 28 5 , 0 0 0 85 , 0 0 0 1, 4 6 9 , 0 0 0 1, 9 4 1 , 0 0 0 - - Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e 32 , 9 0 0 60 , 6 0 0 18 , 1 0 0 84 7 , 4 0 0 - - 50 , 0 0 0 Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 Pu b l i c W o r k s 75 87 Item 3. Se w e r Se w e r Se w e r Se w e r Re f u s e Re f u s e Re f u s e Re f u s e St o r m W a t e r St o r m W a t e r Co l l e c t i o n s Di s p o s a l No n - O p e r Ca p E q u i p Di s p o s a l Co l l e c t i o n Re c y c l i n g Ha z W a s t e Co l l e c t i o n s No n - O p e r 60 2 . 9 6 0 0 60 2 . 9 4 8 0 60 2 . 9 6 9 9 43 2 . 9 6 9 9 60 3 . 9 5 1 0 60 3 . 9 5 2 0 60 3 . 9 5 3 0 60 3 . 9 5 4 0 60 4 . 9 6 0 0 60 4 . 9 6 9 9 Re v e n u e Ta x e s - - - - - - - - - - Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s - - - - - - - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l - - - - - - 13 1 , 0 0 0 - - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s - - - - - - - - - - Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s - - - - - - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s 12 , 0 0 0 - - - - 30 , 0 0 0 - - 25 , 0 0 0 - Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s 91 1 , 5 0 0 1, 6 3 6 , 9 0 0 - - 3, 7 3 4 , 6 0 0 20 7 , 1 0 0 13 2 , 0 0 0 19 , 3 0 0 63 2 , 1 0 0 - Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s - - - 50 , 0 0 0 - - - - - - 92 3 , 5 0 0 1, 6 3 6 , 9 0 0 - 50 , 0 0 0 3, 7 3 4 , 6 0 0 23 7 , 1 0 0 26 3 , 0 0 0 19 , 3 0 0 65 7 , 1 0 0 - Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s 57 1 , 5 0 0 - - - - 76 , 3 0 0 74 , 9 0 0 6, 3 0 0 10 1 , 6 0 0 - Su p p l i e s 71 , 6 0 0 1, 6 3 6 , 9 0 0 - - 3, 6 8 2 , 8 0 0 1, 2 0 0 20 , 4 0 0 - 55 , 1 0 0 - Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s 50 6 , 9 0 0 - - - - 89 , 6 0 0 97 , 7 0 0 13 , 0 0 0 24 5 , 7 0 0 - Ca p i t a l O u t l a y - - - - - - - - - - Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s 50 , 0 0 0 - - - - 70 , 0 0 0 70 , 0 0 0 - 50 , 0 0 0 - 1, 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 1, 6 3 6 , 9 0 0 - - 3, 6 8 2 , 8 0 0 23 7 , 1 0 0 26 3 , 0 0 0 19 , 3 0 0 45 2 , 4 0 0 - Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e (2 7 6 , 5 0 0 ) - - 50 , 0 0 0 51 , 8 0 0 - - - 20 4 , 7 0 0 - Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 Pu b l i c W o r k s 76 88 Item 3. St o r m Wa t e r Se w e r St o r m S w r Ce n t r a l Ga r a g e Se w e r Co n s t r u c t . Co n s t r u c t . Co n s t r u c t . Ga r a g e Ca p E q u i p Ca p E q u i p Fu n d Fu n d Fu n d 70 1 . 9 9 5 0 43 4 . 9 9 5 0 43 8 . 9 6 9 9 65 1 . 9 6 9 9 65 2 . 9 6 9 9 65 3 . 9 6 9 9 Re v e n u e Ta x e s - - - - - - Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s - - - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l - - - - - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s - - - - - - Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s - - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s 28 , 0 0 0 - - 22 5 , 0 0 0 - - Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s 90 2 , 0 0 0 - - - - - Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s 20 , 0 0 0 10 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 - - - To t a l R e v e n u e 95 0 , 0 0 0 10 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 22 5 , 0 0 0 - - Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s 41 2 , 9 0 0 - - - - - Su p p l i e s 28 5 , 9 0 0 - - - - - Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s 33 2 , 8 0 0 - - 75 , 0 0 0 - - Ca p i t a l O u t l a y - - - 22 5 , 0 0 0 - 15 0 , 0 0 0 Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s 10 , 0 0 0 - - - - - To t a l E x p e n s e s 1, 0 4 1 , 6 0 0 - - 30 0 , 0 0 0 - 15 0 , 0 0 0 Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e (9 1 , 6 0 0 ) 10 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 (7 5 , 0 0 0 ) - (1 5 0 , 0 0 0 ) Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 Pu b l i c W o r k s 77 89 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: STREETS 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 3121 STREETS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 732,600 637,800 713,400 782,900 782,900 - Supplies 217,300 152,200 245,300 309,600 309,600 - Other Services & Charges 180,300 180,700 317,200 264,000 264,000 - Capital Outlay -123,000 1,000 2,000 2,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: STREETS 1,130,200 1,093,700 1,276,900 1,358,500 1,358,500 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The street department provides the maintenance of city Rights-of-Ways including streets, alleys and storm sewer and city owned parking lots. These services include patching, surface repairs, minor bituminous paving, street sweeping, snow plowing and removal, ice control, miscellaneous projects as required, and public contact. The maintenance of public storm sewers and ponds and basins is also included in the street department to manage portions of the Federal NPDES and State MS4 permit requirements. The 2026 budget for the Street Department is an increase of $81,600 or 6%. Personnel costs will increase 10% for 2026. Roughly half of this reflects increases in labor agreements for cost-of-living,benefits, and seniority step raises. The remainder reflects both reallocation of existing personnel between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities, as well as one additional director level position between these two divisions over the 2025 budget. Within non-personnel expenses, anticipated increases of 26% in supplies costs are significantly offset by reductions in Other Services and Charges for 2026. These reductions primarily reflect reclamite and other street maintenance budgeted within this department in 2025 budgeted in Infrastructure Fund 430 for 2026. 78 90 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: STREET LIGHTING 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 3160 STREET LIGHTING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 3,900 6,600 6,800 5,700 5,700 - Supplies 200 100 8,300 10,100 10,100 - Other Services & Charges 169,200 149,300 179,400 182,400 182,400 - Capital Outlay --2,500 2,500 2,500 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: STREET LIGHTING 173,300 156,000 197,000 200,700 200,700 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity provides for the energy costs related to intersection, mid-block, and alley lighting. This activity also includes maintenance and repair of city-owned street lights. The 2026 budget for the Street LIghting Department is an increase of $3,700 or 2%. By far, the largest element of this budget is electricity costs within the category of Other Service and Charges. The minor amount of personnel budgeted within this department will decrease for 2026, due to the reallocation of existing personnel between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities. 79 91 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: TRAFFIC SIGNS & SIGNALS 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 3170 TRAFFIC SIGNS & SIGNALS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 76,200 75,900 87,900 94,400 94,400 - Supplies 13,600 12,600 21,200 20,100 20,100 - Other Services & Charges 16,100 14,400 23,400 25,700 25,700 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: TRAFFIC SIGNS & SIGNALS 105,900 102,900 132,500 140,200 140,200 - Activity Description Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity provides for the installation, maintenance and replacement (or removal) of city owned signs and traffic signals identified under MNDOT or county agreements. This department also provides for street striping, curbing and parking lot striping and traffic counting. The 2026 budget for the Traffic Signs and Signals Department is an increase of $7,700 or 6%. The majority of this increase, $6,500; is in personnel, reflecting increases in labor agreements for cost-of-living, benefits, and seniority step raises. it also includes the reallocation of existing personnel between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities, as well as one additional director level position between these two divisions over the 2025 budget. 80 92 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: PARKS 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5200 PARKS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 676,400 727,400 819,100 865,600 865,600 - Supplies 119,400 92,700 131,200 139,900 139,900 - Other Services & Charges 373,700 279,400 336,700 342,000 342,000 - Capital Outlay -1,700 ---- Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: PARKS 1,169,500 1,101,200 1,287,000 1,347,500 1,347,500 - Activity Description Budget Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity provides for the equipment, park facility, field and grounds maintenance of: A. 15 city parks B. 2 public wading pools C. 3 skating and 3 hockey rinks; D. 12 softball/baseball diamonds E. 2 tennis courts F. 12 buildings and other recreational facilities G. All park trails. H. Landscape maintenance for all municipal buildings, other city-owned properties, public art areas, easement areas, and the planning, implementation and construction of various park improvements. I. 1 Splash pad J. 3-1/2 Basketball courts The 2026 Park Department budget is proposing an overall increase of $60,500 or 5% . The majority of this increase, $46,500; is in personnel, reflecting increases in labor agreements for cost-of-living, benefits, and seniority step raises. it also includes the reallocation of existing personnel between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities, as well as one additional director level position between these two divisions over the 2025 budget. None of the changes in non-personnel expenses from 2025 to 2026 were individually significant. 81 93 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: URBAN FORESTRY 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6102 URBAN FORESTRY Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 156,300 177,100 191,500 192,100 192,100 - Supplies 60,500 46,200 48,800 51,400 51,400 - Other Services & Charges 91,600 67,400 75,100 76,100 76,100 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: URBAN FORESTRY 308,400 290,700 315,400 319,600 319,600 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity provides for the care and maintenance of City Owned trees from planting to removal and includes tree trimming, removal of hazardous, diseased, or dead trees (on city-owned properties except for parks), and replanting of new trees. It includes trimming, shaping and maintaining boulevard trees in a healthy condition, removal of downed branches, and clearing obstructed signs. It also provides for management of tree diseases and pests through surveillance and eradication, hazardous tree inspections, corner visibility, and brush in the alley inspections. A comprehensive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Program was approved by the Council in 2014 and continues to be executed. This activity also provides for the management of tree diseases and pests in private trees through surveil. 1. Continue the EAB Program established for the management of City owned Ash trees consistent with the approved EAB Plan, now that EAB is confirmed in the City. 2. Concentrate on boulevard tree trimming by residential street rehabilitation zones. 3. Trim sidewalk and street sign locations, focusing on Street Rehab Zone work. 4. Contractual trimming at parks with paved walking paths to maintain safe pathways. 5. Focus management of the tree inspection program to maximize surveillance, control the spread of tree diseases, and impose safety with limited funding. 6. Foster the growth of the young trees and plantings throughout the City. 7. Maintain and update the comprehensive tree GIS inventory. 8. Update and modernize urban forestry on the website. The 2026 budget for the Urban Forestry Department is an increase of $4,200 or 1%. Despite increases in labor agreements, the dollar amount of personnel budgeted within this department will be relatively the same for 2026 ans for 2025, due to the reallocation of existing personnel between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities. The budgets for the Supplies and Other Services & Charges categories have been adjusted based on anticipated needs. 82 94 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAPITAL EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT ENGINEERING 431 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 3100 ENGINEERING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT ------ Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. 83 95 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT STREETS 431 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 3121 STREETS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay 163,600 430,900 398,200 285,000 285,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT STREETS163,600 430,900 398,200 285,000 285,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. The Street Department proposes replacing Dump Truck #82 with a new Western Star Dump Truck. Truck #82 is a critical component of our snow plowing fleet and has reached the end of its useful life, resulting in increasing maintenance costs and decreasing reliability. 84 96 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT PARKS 431 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5200 PARKS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay 248,500 397,800 140,500 155,000 155,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT PARKS 248,500 397,800 140,500 155,000 155,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. The Park Department is requesting to replace an aging large-area mower with a new 5910 Toro Large Wing Mower, estimated at $155,000. This mower is essential for maintaining large park spaces, athletic fields, and open turf areas efficiently. The current unit is experiencing frequent breakdowns, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced mowing productivity during peak growing seasons. 85 97 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT URBAN FORESTRY 431 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 6102 URBAN FORESTRY Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay -71,500 -85,000 85,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT URBAN FORESTRY -71,500 -85,000 85,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. The Urban Forestry division is requesting to replace an aging pickup truck that has become increasingly unreliable and costly to maintain. 86 98 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT SEWER 432 CAP EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT SEWER Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9699 NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay -1,600 ---- Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT SEWER -1,600 ---- Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. No replacements planned in 2026. 87 99 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT WATER 433 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT WATER Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9699 NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay -1,600 ---- Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT WATER -1,600 ---- Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. No replacements planned in 2026. 88 100 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT GARAGE 434 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9950 GARAGE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT GARAGE ------ Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 No replacements planned in 2026. This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. 89 101 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT STORM SEWER 438 CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT STORM SEWERActual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9699 NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: CAP EQUIP REPLACEMENT STORM SEWER------ Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for equipment purchased by this division. No replacements planned in 2026. 90 102 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: WATER UTILITY SOURCE OF SUPPLY 601 WATER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9400 SOURCE OF SUPPLY Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 1,805,400 1,799,500 1,912,000 1,941,000 1,941,000 - Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: WATER UTILITY SOURCE OF SUPPLY1,805,400 1,799,500 1,912,000 1,941,000 1,941,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department covers potable water purchased from the City of Minneapolis for resale to the residents of Columbia Heights. Amounts will vary from year to year based upon demand. In 2004,the City entered into a long -term contract with the City of Minneapolis establishing rates for the next 30 years. The Contract cost share was updated in 2014 based on an updated Cost of Service Study as prescribed in the Contract. Going forward the contract will be updated on a 10-year cycle. The budget for 2026 water purchases is an increase of $29,000 or 2%, based on estimated volume and the trend for Minneapolis rates. Although the rates trend has been relatively predictable, volume is affected significant by weather conditions and will vary accordingly. 91 103 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: WATER UTILITY DISTRIBUTION 601 WATER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9600 DISTRIBUTION Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 345,700 404,300 550,000 584,900 584,900 - Supplies 105,100 73,300 155,900 135,600 135,600 - Other Services & Charges 685,200 573,000 666,400 698,500 698,500 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 40,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 - TOTALS: WATER UTILITY DISTRIBUTION 1,176,000 1,100,600 1,422,300 1,469,000 1,469,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity provides for the operation and maintenance of the City's entire water distribution system, including the water tower, water mains, hydrants, valves, meters, pump stations (2), SCADA system operation, sprinkler systems (3), service lines to public buildings and providing locate services for city utilities as required by the Gopher State One Call system. Continue tracking and documenting water quality complaints and develop remedial response alternatives. Maintain system by leak detecting, testing water samples, repair water main breaks , pumps, valves hydrants, etc. Continue our hydrant flushing program. Continue the hydrant cleaning and painting program. Continue upgrading SCADA hardware at infrastructure locations. New PLCs, Radios, and relays where required. The 2026 Water Utility Distribution budget increases by $46,700 or 3%, driven by personnel cost-of-living increases and expanded contracted services to support system maintenance and water quality efforts. 92 104 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: WATER UTILITY NON-OPERATING 601 WATER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9699 NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 3,300 ----- Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 87,000 93,000 ---- TOTALS: WATER UTILITY NON-OPERATING 90,300 93,000 ---- Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This budget primarily accounts for transfers to the water debt service fund. The last outstanding utility debt service payment was made 2/1/2025. 93 105 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: SEWER UTILITY COLLECTIONS 602 SEWER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9600 COLLECTIONS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 352,100 381,300 528,900 571,500 571,500 - Supplies 54,800 25,700 85,500 71,600 71,600 - Other Services & Charges 433,000 491,600 474,900 506,900 506,900 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 119,600 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 - TOTALS: SEWER UTILITY COLLECTIONS 959,500 948,600 1,139,300 1,200,000 1,200,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity provides for the operation and maintenance of the City's sanitary sewer collection system. Included in this activity are inspections and repairs of manholes, trunk and main sewer lines, lift stations (4) and SCADA system operation. Annual sewer flows are between 500 and 550 million gallons to MCES treatment facilities. 1. Analyze I/I program effectiveness to concentrate on the Collection District with the highest return for the removal of clear water flows in our Collection System - in response to the MCES' Ongoing I/I Program. 2. Continue aggressive sanitary sewer cleaning program on a 3-year repeating cycle city-wide, and trouble lines - annually. 3. Continue sanitary sewer system evaluations through the televising and reporting program. 4. Continue annual sanitary sewer lining program. 5. Continue manhole inspections with televising inspection reports resulting in the rehab of existing sewer line structures throughout the City. 6. Identify manholes in need of rehabilitation through inspection program, and prioritize manhole repairs. 7. Continue upgrading SCADA hardware at infrastructure locations. New PLCs, Radios, and relays where required. The 2026 Sewer Utility Collections budget increases by $60,700 or 5%. Personnel costs will increase 8% for 2026. Roughly half of this reflects increases in labor agreements for cost-of-living, benefits, and seniority step raises. The remainder reflects both reallocation of existing personnel between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities, as well as one additional director level position between these two divisions over the 2025 budget. The additional funding of $32,000 for Other Services & Charges will support enhanced maintenance, inspection, and compliance activities to ensure the reliability of the City’s sanitary sewer system. 94 106 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: SEWER UTILITY DISPOSAL 602 SEWER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9480 DISPOSAL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 1,345,700 1,468,300 1,616,000 1,636,900 1,636,900 - Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: SEWER UTILITY DISPOSAL 1,345,700 1,468,300 1,616,000 1,636,900 1,636,900 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department provides for fees paid to the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services for sewage treatment disposal. Costs will vary from year to year based upon flows. The 2026 budget equals the actaul sewer disposal charges that will be billed by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services in 2026, based on theiflow and cost analysis published in mid-2025. 95 107 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: SEWER UTILITY NON-OPERATING 602 SEWER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9699 NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 61,000 67,000 ---- TOTALS: SEWER UTILITY NON-OPERATING 61,000 67,000 ---- Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This budget primarily accounts for transfers to the Sewer debt service fund. The last outstanding utility debt service payment was made 2/1/2025. 96 108 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: REFUSE DISPOSAL 603 REFUSE FUND Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9510 REFUSE DISPOSAL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies 3,115,000 3,378,700 3,429,000 3,682,800 3,682,800 - Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: REFUSE DISPOSAL 3,115,000 3,378,700 3,429,000 3,682,800 3,682,800 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This budget tracks hauling contracted costs for refuse, single sort recycling, bulk collections, yard waste/organics collection, and disposal costs to facilitate accurate reporting to state and county agencies as required. Staff proposes a 7% or $253,800 increase from last year as the City is experiencing higher charges from the haulers and disposal sites, i.e. a 4% increase this year and possibly another 5% next year per the annual CPI for refuse services (as of April). 97 109 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: REFUSE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL 603 REFUSE FUND Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9520 REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 62,800 68,200 84,700 76,300 76,300 - Supplies 5,300 1,400 1,700 1,200 1,200 - Other Services & Charges 58,500 72,000 83,900 89,600 89,600 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 58,600 362,300 62,800 70,000 70,000 - TOTALS: REFUSE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL 185,200 503,900 233,100 237,100 237,100 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity manages the total refuse collection and disposal program and includes expenses other than the contract costs. Contracted costs are separated for clarity in tracking and reporting; however, they do remain a function of this budget as a whole. OPERATING: The budget for 2026 increases by $4,000 or 2% over the prior year. The decrease personnel costs reflects reallocation of existing staff between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities. va CAPITAL OUTLAY: The capital plan includes $75,000 to purchase trash carts in 2026. This cost will be recognized in the budget as $7,500 of depreciation in each of the ten years of estimated useful life of the carts, instead of reporting the full $75,000 above in 2026 capital outlay, consistent with budgeting method used for utility enterprise funds. 98 110 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: REFUSE FUND RECYCLING 603 REFUSE FUND Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9530 RECYCLING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 71,600 73,900 83,400 74,900 74,900 - Supplies 29,000 37,100 20,100 20,400 20,400 - Other Services & Charges 83,800 120,600 89,400 97,700 97,700 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 58,500 362,300 62,800 70,000 70,000 - TOTALS: REFUSE FUND RECYCLING 242,900 593,900 255,700 263,000 263,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity provides management of the recycling services. The City continues to manage the SCORE grant program and all other recycling operations of curbside single sort, curbside bulk recycling, curbside yard waste and organics collection, and the Recycle Center. OPERATING: The budget for 2026 increases by $7,300 or 3% over the prior year. The decrease personnel costs reflects reallocation of existing staff between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities. va CAPITAL OUTLAY: The capital plan includes $75,000 to purchase trash carts in 2026. This cost will be recognized in the budget as $7,500 of depreciation in each of the ten years of estimated useful life of the carts, instead of reporting the full $75,000 above in 2026 capital outlay, consistent with budgeting method used for utility enterprise funds. 99 111 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: REFUSE FUND HAZARDOUS WASTE 603 REFUSE FUND Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9540 HAZARDOUS WASTE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 3,400 4,700 4,900 6,300 6,300 - Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 10,700 14,300 13,300 13,000 13,000 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS:14,100 19,000 18,200 19,300 19,300 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity administers the handling of hazardous waste generated by the City of Columbia Heights residential properties. Such items include fluorescent lamps, solvents, waste and automotive fluids, paints /chemicals, and illegally dumped electronic and other problem materials. Some of the items are handled at our Recycle Center and Anoka County provides household hazardous waste services primarily through a year-round drop-off facility located in Blaine that serves the entire county. This small budget only proposes an increase of just over $1,000. 100 112 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: STORM SEWER UTILITY COLLECTIONS 604 STORM SEWER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9600 COLLECTIONS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 139,200 185,700 229,900 101,600 101,600 - Supplies 19,000 12,300 47,600 55,100 55,100 - Other Services & Charges 142,600 120,000 187,600 245,700 245,700 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 114,600 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 - TOTALS: STORM SEWER UTILITY COLLECTIONS415,400 368,000 515,100 452,400 452,400 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department provides for the operation and maintenance of the City's storm sewer system, including NPDES Phase IV permit requirements (pollution prevention), annual MS4 reporting - including TMDL reporting for Silver Lake, inspection, maintenance and repair of storm sewer pipes, catch basins, manholes, and drainage ponds, and surface water related activities and inspections of land disturbing activities for erosion control. 1. Implement NPDES Phase IV requirements for activities and reporting system - 4th Generation Plan was approved by the MPCA in 2019. The permit now includes TMDL reporting for Silver Lake. 2. Implement the Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) completed in 2017 and included in the Comp Plan approved in 2019. 3. Support and coordinate with the maintenance activities in the Streets Department. 4. Rehab existing structures and/or main lines throughout the City. 5. Storm sewer system evaluation: conduct televising and inspections of storm sewer lines, leading to a storm sewer rehabilitation program To support the split of the previous version of the Public Works division into two new divisions, beginning with the 2026 budget, all staff time assigned to the new Engineering & Facilities division that was reported in this storm sewer department 604.9600 through 2025 is henceforth reported under the separate storm sewer department of 604.9690. Similarly, the only staff time that remains in this storm sewer department of 604.9600 after 2025 is that assigned to the new version of the Public Works division (post-split). Consequently, the reduction in personnel shown above in 604.9600 of $128,300 for 2026 is offset by a related increase of $172,100 in personnel shown in 604.9690 for 2026. Taken together, the (now) two storm sewer departments of 604.9600 and 604.9690 reflect a combined increase of $109,000 or 21% over 2025. $43,800 of this increase is in personnel, reflecting increases in labor agreements for cost-of-living, benefits, and seniority step raise, plus the reallocation of existing personnel between the various departments of the divisions of Public Works versus Engineering & Facilities, as well as one additional director level position between these two divisions over the 2025 budget. $58,100 of the combined increased is in Other Services & Charges, to provide for an increased level of line cleaning and televising focused on the City's large trunk storem sewer lines to guide future rehabilitation efforts. 101 113 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: STORM SEWER UTILITY NON-OPERATING 604 STORM SEWER UTILITY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9699 NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges 16,800 ----- Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers 63,000 ----- TOTALS: STORM SEWER UTILITY NON-OPERATING79,800 ----- Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The last outstanding utility debt service payment was made 2/1/2025. This budget primarily accounts for transfers to the Storm Sewer debt service fund. 102 114 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: WATER CONSTRUCTION FUND NON-OPERATING 651 WATER CONSTRUCTION FUND Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9699 NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges -35,000 -75,000 75,000 - Capital Outlay 23,200 196,800 -225,000 225,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: WATER CONSTRUCTION FUND NON-OPERATING23,200 231,800 -300,000 300,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for various water system infrastructure projects. One capital and one major maintenance project is proposed in the Water Construction fund for 2026: 1. Water Main Looping from 51st Avenue through Sullivan Lake Park to the Medtronic site property line for future development support (looping and secondary feed). Estimated cost is $225,000. Funding is from Water construction and redevelopment TIF (tentative). 2. Our water distribution zones are separated at a couple of locations on or near Central Avenue. While they are functionally separate, they are available to draw water based on demand - that function is provided by PRV valves in manholes. One of these is due for replacement along with the manhole. Estimated cost is $50,000. 103 115 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND NON-OPERATING 652 SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9699 NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges -60,400 ---- Capital Outlay 12,800 218,900 ---- Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: SEWER CONSTRUCTION 12,800 279,300 ---- Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for various sanitary sewer system infrastructure projects. One capital project is proposed for 2026 construction: 1. The 2025 budget included replacement of the Sullivan Lake lift station with an estimated project cost of $800,000. Based on an engineering study, the 2026 budget adds $450,000 to this project to oversize the sewer main to support the proposed redevelopment at the former Medtronic site. The original $800,000 will be funded by sewer revenues and the $450,000 related to the redevelopment will be funded by TIF or other redevelopment revenue. As this long-term investment is in an utility enterprise fund, it will be capitalized and an annual portion of the cost will be recognized as depreciation each year in the sewer operating budget 602.9600 over the life of the lift station and sewer main. Consequently the $1,250,000 cost of the project is not reported above as a 2026 expenditure. 2. Please note also that a similar lift station project for $750,000 funded by TIF at the former Rainbow shopping site was included in the 2025 capital budget. That project is still outstanding and contingent on the proposed redevelopment. 104 116 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: STORM SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND 653 STORM SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9699 NON-OPERATING Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services ------ Supplies ------ Other Services & Charges ------ Capital Outlay 7,300 6,100 -150,000 150,000 - Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: STORM SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND NON-OPERATING7,300 6,100 -150,000 150,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This department is used to account for various storm sewer system infrastructure projects. For 2026, storm sewer project work has been identified within the larger 40th Avenue reconstruction project led by Anoka County. Work will include the City's share of the new storm sewer system and Green Stormwater Infrastructure as part of the project. Estimated at $150,000. 105 117 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: CENTRAL GARAGE 701 CENTRAL GARAGE Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 9950 CENTRAL GARAGE Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 258,300 306,800 412,200 412,900 412,900 - Supplies 179,200 179,600 244,500 285,900 285,900 - Other Services & Charges 290,700 283,200 355,900 332,800 332,800 - Capital Outlay 1,000 ----- Contingencies & Transfers 5,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 - TOTALS: CENTRAL GARAGE 734,200 779,600 1,022,600 1,041,600 1,041,600 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 Central Garage provides preventive general maintenance and repair for all city -owned vehicles and equipment. The City currently has over 300 pieces of equipment that are maintained on a regular basis. This is an internal service fund with revenue generated by charges to other departments for all repair and maintenance services performed by members of this department. This department budget also covers regular maintenance costs for the MSC Building. The proposed 2026 Central Garage budget is an increase of $19,000 or 2% over 2025. Personnel remained the same year over year. Overall, non-personnel line items received increased appropriate to inflation's cost estimates for goods and services, or remained flat from 2025 costs. 106 118 Item 3. Re c r e a t i o n Yo u t h Se n i o r Mu r z y n Hy l a n d e r Ad m i n At h l e t i c s En r i c h m e n t Ci t i z e n s Ha l l Ce n t e r 10 1 . 5 0 0 0 10 1 . 5 0 0 1 10 1 . 5 0 0 4 10 1 . 5 0 4 0 10 1 . 5 1 2 9 10 1 . 5 1 3 0 Re v e n u e Ta x e s 32 6 , 6 0 0 11 9 , 2 0 0 14 3 , 1 0 0 14 7 , 1 0 0 14 9 , 0 0 0 93 , 4 0 0 Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s - - - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l - - - - - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s - 40 , 0 0 0 20 , 0 0 0 15 , 0 0 0 10 8 , 6 0 0 4, 2 0 0 Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s - - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s - - - - - - Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s - - - - - - Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s - - - - - - To t a l R e v e n u e 32 6 , 6 0 0 15 9 , 2 0 0 16 3 , 1 0 0 16 2 , 1 0 0 25 7 , 6 0 0 97 , 6 0 0 Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s 24 0 , 0 0 0 10 7 , 7 0 0 10 4 , 2 0 0 11 5 , 3 0 0 17 6 , 5 0 0 17 , 5 0 0 Su p p l i e s 16 , 6 0 0 2, 9 0 0 17 , 4 0 0 8, 7 0 0 18 , 5 0 0 1, 0 0 0 Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s 63 , 4 0 0 46 , 2 0 0 38 , 6 0 0 35 , 1 0 0 59 , 6 0 0 77 , 2 0 0 Ca p i t a l O u t l a y - - - - - - Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s - - - - - - To t a l E x p e n s e s 32 0 , 0 0 0 15 6 , 8 0 0 16 0 , 2 0 0 15 9 , 1 0 0 25 4 , 6 0 0 95 , 7 0 0 Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e 6, 6 0 0 2, 4 0 0 2, 9 0 0 3, 0 0 0 3, 0 0 0 1, 9 0 0 Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 R e c r e a t i o n 107 119 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: RECREATION ADMINISTRATION 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5000 RECREATION ADMINISTRATION Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 217,300 230,200 230,500 240,000 240,000 - Supplies 5,400 9,900 14,400 16,600 16,600 - Other Services & Charges 53,600 54,600 62,300 63,400 63,400 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: RECREATION ADMINISTRATION276,300 294,700 307,200 320,000 320,000 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity provides recreational opportunities and services to the residents of Columbia Heights. The Recreation Division is comprised multiple departments across which the Director, fifty percent full time Clerk-Typist II, and one half-time Recreation Clerk disperse their time. Each of these departments has its own separate budget. The Recreation Administration budget provides salaries for the department as well as supplies and contractual services for the department. Recreation Administration also pays the Murzyn Hall budget for office space. The proposed 2026 budget has a increase of $12,800. Personnel had an increase to cover cost of living increases and step increases. The Jamboree Fireworks show has been budgeted again for the amount of $8,000 for 2026. End User Devices has been increased by $1,800 to cover the cost of the new phones in the Recreation Department. The Recreation Department registration software is budgeted at $7,350. The Recreation Administration budget also pays the Murzyn Hall budget for space in the office in the amount of $4,100. 108 120 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: ATHLETICS 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5001 ATHLETICS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 86,400 107,400 87,400 107,700 107,700 - Supplies 3,300 1,800 7,400 2,900 2,900 - Other Services & Charges 47,400 42,200 47,000 46,200 46,200 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: ATHLETICS 137,100 151,400 141,800 156,800 156,800 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The proposed 2026 budget is a increase of $15,000. Personnel has increased to cover the coaches for youth teams in leagues. Supplies has decreased $4,500. One reason that the supplies lines have not increased is due to the significant donation that the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters makes to the Recreation Department. This budget pays the Murzyn Hall Budget $12,100 for space in J.P.M. This budget has combined Youth Athletics, Adult Athletics and Traveling Athletics to make one Athletics budget. This activity classification encompasses recreational programs provided to youth and adults. These programs consist of children and adolescents K-12. Programs fall under several sport-specific headings, including baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. All programs are participation-oriented, with the focus on fun, socialization, and athletic skill development. These particular youth programs provide the youth of Columbia Heights with supervised play opportunities. The adult programs consist of sanctioned competitive slow pitch softball leagues for men and coed teams. This budget includes two-thirds of the Recreation Coordinator salaries, league costs and officials. The Athletics budget also pays the Murzyn Hall budget for office space. 109 121 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: YOUTH ENRICHMENT 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5004 YOUTH ENRICHMENT Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 59,600 63,900 99,500 104,200 104,200 - Supplies 5,100 4,100 17,400 17,400 17,400 - Other Services & Charges 35,200 36,700 36,500 38,600 38,600 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: YOUTH ENRICHMENT 99,900 104,700 153,400 160,200 160,200 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 This activity classification encompasses recreational, academic, athletic, and enrichment programs provided to the youth ages 3-13. These offerings are participation-oriented, with the focus on fun, socialization, achievement, and skill development. Dance and Tumbling runs throughout the fall, winter, and spring sessions. Special events that are family- oriented and run throughout the year are Hoppy Hoedown, Truck or Treat, and City Holiday Tour. The Traveling Puppet Wagon, which was originally funded through a grant from the Medtronic Foundation in 1998 has been operating for the last twenty-eight years. The Puppet Wagon travels to neighborhood parks and performs a variety of family-based puppet shows. Youth Enrichment funds office, storage and program space within the Murzyn Hall budget. This budget also provides one-fourth of the Recreation Coordinator salaries. The proposed 2026 budget has an increase of $6,800. Personnel was increased slightly and is needed to cover the Summer Park Program expenses that used to be covered by the grant. The youth grant ended in 2024. Program Supply lines and Food Supplies had been increased in 2025. The Youth Enrichment Budget transfers $35,500 back to the Murzyn Hall budget to cover space used within J.P.M. 110 122 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: SENIOR CITIZENS 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5040 SENIOR CITIZENS Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 106,200 97,900 108,000 115,300 115,300 - Supplies 2,300 2,300 8,700 8,700 8,700 - Other Services & Charges 24,100 34,000 34,000 35,100 35,100 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: SENIOR CITIZENS 132,600 134,200 150,700 159,100 159,100 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Senior program is located in Murzyn Hall and provides a wide variety of programs to individuals 55 years and older in the community. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This budget now includes trips for our Senior program. The Senior program also runs many day trips that use one of the Recreation vans to transport people to various programs and venues around the area. These excursions are very popular and takes seniors to places they would never visit on their own. The Senior Citizen budget also provides space allocation for Murzyn Hall for office, storage and senior center space. The proposed 2026 Senior Citizens budget has an increase of $8,400. Our Senior Citizen Coordinator has done an outstanding job with creating new exciting programs for the Seniors. With all these new programs comes extra expenses and that is why we have added more funding in 2026. It should be noted that there is also extra revenue that is brought in with these new programs and trips. The Senior budget also budgets $19,400 back to the Murzyn Hall budget for the Senior Center Space. 111 123 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: MURZYN HALL 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5129 MURZYN HALL Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 167,200 156,000 184,600 176,500 176,500 - Supplies 16,600 10,000 16,600 18,500 18,500 - Other Services & Charges 49,800 46,900 56,000 59,600 59,600 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: MURZYN HALL 233,600 212,900 257,200 254,600 254,600 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 Murzyn Hall (JPM) is used for many classes, activities and special events. Many rentals are paid while others are fee waived or charged a minimal fee to offset custodial costs. There were 82 paid rentals in 2024. Users of the facility are residents, non-residents and local non-profits. The building is also used by the Recreation Department programs. JPM operates seven days a week and runs near full capacity throughout the year. Murzyn Hall budget provides salaries for part-time custodians and 50% of the Recreation Secretary position. The proposed 2026 budget has had an decrease of $2,600. Due to less rentals on Friday and Sundays the Part-time Employee line has decreased by $5,000. End User Devices has increased $1,900 for the new phones in the building. With the age of the building and increased maintenance required Building Maintenance line 4020 has been increased by $8,000. This budget receives a credit of $71,100 from other Recreation Departments to cover the space used in the building. 112 124 Item 3. DEPARTMENT: HYLANDER CENTER 101 GENERAL Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council 5130 HYLANDER CENTER Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted Description 2023 2024 2025 2026 2026 2026 Personnel Services 7,700 12,900 16,700 17,500 17,500 - Supplies --1,000 1,000 1,000 - Other Services & Charges 43,000 73,900 77,200 77,200 77,200 - Capital Outlay ------ Contingencies & Transfers ------ TOTALS: HYLANDER CENTER 50,700 86,800 94,900 95,700 95,700 - Activity Description Comments on Proposed Budget CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA BUDGET 2026 The Hylander Center budget covers the staff and utilities to maintain and operate the Hylander Center gym and fitness room. This budget includes utilities and cleaning that is serviced by the School District and then paid from this account. The proposed 2026 Hylander Center budget has an increase of $800. Seasonal Staff has had the increase of $600. Beginning in 2024, the District maintenance cost have increased significantly due to the fact that they had not increased them since we opened. The building maintenance was left as it was for 2025. The repair line had increased to $5,000 in 2025 to cover the repairs to the equipment in the gym. 113 125 Item 3. Hu s e t 20 2 3 A T E M P Li q u o r 20 1 5 G O 20 1 7 B P u b l i c 20 1 8 A G O 2 0 2 3 B G O Pa r k A r e a T I F R e f u n d i n g De b t Li b r a r y Sa f e t y Pu b f a c i l i t i e s R e f n d Im p r o v e TI F ( T 6 ) Bo n d s Se r v i c e 34 6 . 7 0 0 0 34 7 . 7 0 0 0 34 8 . 7 0 0 0 34 9 . 7 0 0 0 37 2 . 7 0 0 0 39 5 . 7 0 0 0 63 9 . 7 0 0 0 Re v e n u e Ta x e s 21 0 , 1 0 0 29 1 , 8 0 0 12 3 , 1 0 0 - 92 2 , 0 0 0 - - Li c e n s e s & P e r m i t s - - - - - - - In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l 25 0 , 0 0 0 25 0 , 0 0 0 - - - - - Ch a r g e s f o r S e r v i c e s - - - - - - - Fi n e s & F o r f e i t s - - - - - - - Mi s c e l l a n e o u s 2, 0 0 0 2, 0 0 0 1, 2 0 0 - 30 , 0 0 0 - 3, 5 0 0 Sa l e s a n d R e l a t e d C h a r g e s - - - - - - - Tr a n s f e r s & N o n R e v R e c e i p t s - - - 37 7 , 0 0 0 - 6, 7 8 8 , 0 0 0 32 0 , 0 0 0 To t a l R e v e n u e 46 2 , 1 0 0 54 3 , 8 0 0 12 4 , 3 0 0 37 7 , 0 0 0 95 2 , 0 0 0 6, 7 8 8 , 0 0 0 32 3 , 5 0 0 Ex p e n s e s Pe r s o n n e l S e r v i c e s - - - - - - - Su p p l i e s - - - - - - - Ot h e r S e r v i c e s a n d C h a r g e s - - - - 71 0 , 0 0 0 - - Ca p i t a l O u t l a y / D e b t S e r v i c e 45 7 , 7 0 0 53 1 , 9 0 0 11 4 , 9 0 0 38 7 , 8 0 0 18 9 , 3 0 0 6, 7 8 8 , 0 0 0 24 , 9 0 0 Co n t i n g e n c i e s & T r a n s f e r s - - - - - - - To t a l E x p e n s e s 45 7 , 7 0 0 53 1 , 9 0 0 11 4 , 9 0 0 38 7 , 8 0 0 89 9 , 3 0 0 6, 7 8 8 , 0 0 0 24 , 9 0 0 Ch a n g e i n F u n d B a l a n c e 4, 4 0 0 11 , 9 0 0 9, 4 0 0 (1 0 , 8 0 0 ) 52 , 7 0 0 - 29 8 , 6 0 0 Ci t y o f C o l u m b i a H e i g h t s , M i n n e s o t a BU D G E T 2 0 2 6 Bo n d s 114 126 Item 3. ITEM: Council Corner. DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Mayor and Council / September 30, 2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) X Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity X High Quality Public Spaces X Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone X Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking X Resilient and Prosperous Economy X Inclusive and Connected Community AUGUST COUNCIL CORNER ITEMS: Monthly Calendar Sharing Monthly Event Notification, Attendance and Past Event Updates Monthly Proclamations and Meeting Guests Discussion Items Suggested by Mayor and Council: Tenants Rights Request for Ordinance regarding Unlawful Detention ATTACHMENT(S) City of Columbia Heights Monthly Council Meeting and Event Calendar Mayoral Proclamation List Draft Proclamations for October Meetings: October 13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month November, National Homelessness Awareness Month November, Youth Homelessness Awareness Month CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM MEETING DATE OCTOBER 6, 2025 127 Item 4. 1 10/2/2025 9:56 AMCity Council Meetings and Events Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 123456789101112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31 October 2025 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 12345678910111213141516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930 November 2025October 2025 Sep 28 29 30 Oct 1 2 3 4 5:30pm Library Board - Public Library - City Meetings 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5:00pm EDA Meeting - City Hall - City 6:00pm 2025 Special Assessment Hearings 6:30pm City Council Work Session - City 6:00pm Planning Commission - City Hall - City Meetings 6:00pm Badge Pinning Garcia-Rikkers (Public Safety Training Room) - Fire Calendar 11:00am Fire Department Open House (Fire Department) - City Council Meetings and Events 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 6:00pm City Council Meeting - City Hall - City Meetings 5:00pm Partners in Energy Kickoff (CH - Central Place (Room 6:00pm Sustainability Commission / Partners In Energy 7:00pm Charter Commission Meeting - City Meetings 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 6:00pm Parks and Recreation Commission - City Hall - City Meetings 1:00pm 2025 Truck or Treat (Huset Park; City Council Meetings and Events) - Will Rottler 26 27 28 29 30 31 Nov 1 6:00pm City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers - City Council Meetings and Events SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 128 Item 4. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT 2025 January 20, MLK Day 1/13/2025 February 1 World Hijab Day 1/27/2025 February Black History Month 1/27/2025 February 13, Racial Covenant 1/27/2025 March 3-7, School Breakfast Week 2/24/2025 March Developments Disability Awareness Month 2/24/2025 March 8, Int. Women’s Day & Women’s History Month 2/24/2025 March 31, Trans Day of Visibility 3/24/2025 April Fair Housing Month 3/24/2025 April 6-12, National Library Week 3/24/2025 April 22, Earth Day 4/14/2025 April 25 Arbor Day and May Arbor Month 4/14/2025 April Autism Acceptance Month 4/14/2025 April Volunteer Month 4/14/2025 May, Asian and Pacific Islander Month 4/28/2025 May 11-17, Police Week 5/12/2025 May 19-24, Public Works Week 5/12/2025 May Foster Care Awareness 5/27/2025 May, Menstrual Hygiene 5/27/2025 June 6, Gun Violence Awareness 5/27/2025 June Pride Month 6/09/2025 June Immigrant Heritage Month 6/09/2025 June 19, Juneteenth 6/09/2025 July 1: Somali American Day 6/23/2025 Meditation Center 10th Anniversary 7/14/2025 Dahli Lama 90th Birthday 7/14/2025 July 26, Disability Independence Day 7/14/2025 August 1, Heights Bakery Day 7/28/2025 August 4, Assistance Dog Day 7/28/2025 August 5, National Night Out Proclamation 7/28/2025 August, 14 Monarch Butterfly Day / Monarch Fest 8/11/2025 August 21: Senior Citizen Day 8/25/2025 September National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 8/25/2025 September, Hunger Action Month 8/25/2025 September 17-23, Constitution Week 9/08/2025 September 13, Columbia Heights Pride 9/08/2025 September 15-October 15: Latine Heritage Month 9/22/2025 October 2025, Pedestrian Safety Month (Walktober) 9/22/2025 October 2025, Polish American Heritage Month 9/22/2025 October 2025, Domestic Violence Awareness Month 9/22/2025 129 Item 4. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT October 5-11, Fire Prevention Week 9/22/2025 October 13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Proposed 10/14/2025 October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proposed 10/14/2025 November, National Homelessness Awareness Month Proposed 10/27/2025 November, Youth Homelessness Awareness Month Proposed 10/27/2025 November 11: Veterans Day Proposed 11/10/2025 November 20: Trans Day of Remembrance Proposed 11/10/2025 November 25, Happy Holidays Proposed 11/24/2025 December 10, Universal Declaration of Human Rights Proposed 12/08/2025 2024 February 1: World Hijab Day 2/12/2024 February: Black History Month 2/12/2024 April 7-13, 2024: National Library Week 3/25/2024 April: Fair Housing Month 4/08/2024 April 22: Earth Day 4/22/2024 May: ALS Awareness Month 5/28/2024 May: Arbor Day and Month 5/28/2024 May: National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month 5/28/2024 May 19-25: National Public Works Week 5/28/2024 June 7: National Gun Violence Awareness Day 6/10/2024 June: Pride Month 6/10/2024 June 19: Juneteenth 6/10/2024 July 1: Somali American Day 6/24/2024 July 22, 2024: Fern Ostberg Birthday 7/22/2024 July 22, 2024: MN State Flag posting 7/22/2024 August 4, 2024: Assistance Dog Day 7/22/2024 August 6: National Night Out 7/22/2024 August 8, 2024: Monarch Butterfly Day 8/12/2024 August 21: Senior Citizen Day 8/12/2024 September: National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 8/26/2024 September 17-23: Constitution Week 9/09/2024 September 2024: Hunger Action Month 9/09/2024 September 15-October 15: Latine Heritage Month 9/09/2024 September 21, 2024: 1944 Warsaw Uprising US Airlift Day of Remembrance 9/09/2024 September 21, 2024: Columbia Heights Pride Day 9/09/2024 October 2024: Pedestrian Safety Month (Walktober) 9/23/2024 October 2024: Polish American Heritage Month 9/23/2024 October 14, 2024: Indigenous Peoples’ Day 10/14/2024 October: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 10/14/2024 130 Item 4. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month 10/14/2024 November: National Homeless Youth Awareness Month 10/28/2024 November: National Homelessness Awareness Month 11/12/2024 November: National Native American Heritage Month, National Native American Heritage Day 11/12/2024 November 11: Veterans Day 11/12/2024 November 25, Happy Holidays 11/25/2024 December 10, Universal Declaration of Human Rights 12/09/2024 December 20, 2024: Terchen Taksham Rinpoche Day 10/02/2024 2023 January Plant Milkweed Month 12/12/22 Jan 16, MLK Day 1/09/23 February Black History Month 1/23/23 March Developmental Disability Month 2/27/23 March 8, International Women’s Day 2/27/23 Ramadan Month 3/27/23 April Earth Day 3/27/23 April 13, Kelli Bourgeois Day 4/10/23 April Library Week 4/24/23 April Arbor Day 4/24/23 April Fair Housing Month 4/24/23 April National Public Works Week 4/24/23 May Asian and Pacific Islander Month 4/24/23 May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day 5/22/23 May Police Week 5/22/23 May Public Works Week 5/22/23 June Immigrant Heritage Month 5/22/23 June 2, Gun Violence Awareness 5/22/23 July 1, Somali American Day 6/26/23 July 1, Sister City Galdogob Somalia 6/26/23 International Day of Friendship 7/24/23 September Suicide Prevention 8/24/23 September Constitution Week 9/11/23 September Hispanic Heritage Month 9/11/23 September 23, CHC Pride Day 9/23/23 (not at a meeting) October 9, Indigenous People Day 10/09/23 October Polish American Heritage 10/09/23 October Pedestrian Safety 10/23/23 November 11, Veterans Day 10/23/23 December 8, ICC Church Day (100th Ann) 11/27/23 131 Item 4. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT 2022 2022 Climate Awareness Year 1/24/22 Jan 27 Holocaust Day of Remembrance 1/24/22 January Health Care Month 1/24/22 February Black History Month 1/24/22 February 8, Dolores Strand Day 2/08/22 March Women’s History Month 2/28/22 April Library Week 3/28/22 April Arbor Day 4/25/22 April Earth Day 4/25/22 April Fair Housing Month 4/25/22 April National Public Works Week 4/25/22 May Menstrual Hygiene Day 5/23/22 May Asian and Pacific Islander Month 5/23/22 May Police Week 5/23/22 July 26, ADA Day 7/25/22 August National Black Business Month 7/25/22 August Outstanding Business Commendation 7/25/22 August National Night Out 7/25/22 September Childhood Cancer Awareness 8/22/22 September Constitution Week 8/22/22 September Hispanic Heritage Month 9/26/22 September Library Card Sign Up Month 9/26/22 September National Recovery Month 9/26/22 October Domestic Violence Month 9/26/22 October Polish American Heritage Month 9/26/22 November Native American Heritage Month 10/24/22 November Todd Estrem Day 10/24/22 December 23, Asia Chow Mein Day 12/12/22 2021 Tibet Day Proclamation 3/10/21 Arbor Day Proclamation 4/26/21 National Library Week Proclamation 4/26/21 Native American Land Acknowledgement 5/10/21 Police Week Proclamation 5/10/21 Somali American Day Proclamation 7/01/21 CH Centennial Day Proclamation 7/12/21 Oromo Week Proclamation 7/26/21 132 Item 4. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT National Night Out Proclamation 7/26/21 Mayors Monarch Pledge Month 9/13/21 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 9/13/21 Hispanic Heritage Month 9/13/21 Constitution Week Proclamation 9/13/21 Domestic Violence Month 9/27/21 Pride Day Proclamation 9/27/21 Polish American Heritage Month 9/27/21 Native American Heritage Month 11/22/21 2020 Mayoral Declaration re Covid-19 Emergency 3/20/20 Police Week Proclamation 5/11/20 National Public Works Week Proclamation 5/23/20 Domestic Violence Month 9/28/20 Constitution Week Proclamation 9/14/20 Polish American Heritage Month 10/12/20 2019 Tibet Day Proclamation 2/25/19 Census 2020 Proclamation 3/25/19 Arbor Day Proclamation 4/8/19 National Library Week Proclamation 4/8/19 National Public Works Week Proclamation 5/13/19 Police Week Proclamation 5/13/19 Outstanding Citizen Proclamation 6/10/19 Orono Week Proclamation 08/03/19 National Night Out Proclamation 8/06/19 Domestic Violence Month 9/09/19 Constitution Week Proclamation 9/09/19 Polish American Heritage Month 10/14/19 2018 Youth Art Month Proclamation 3/26/18 Officer Terry Nightingale Proclamation 3/26/18 Arbor Day Proclamation 4/9/18 National Library Week Proclamation 4/9/18 Prayer Breakfast Proclamation 4/9/18 High School Basketball Team Proclamation 4/9/18 St. Matthew Community Theater Day Proc. 4/9/18 National Public Works Week 5/14/18 Outstanding Citizen Proclamation 6/11/18 133 Item 4. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT National Night Out Proclamation 7/9/18 Constitution Week Proclamation 9/10/18 Medicare Education Week Proclamation 9/10/18 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proc. 9/24/18 Sister Cities Proclamation 10/8/18 Walt Fehst Retirement Proclamation 12/10/18 2017 Day of Action to End Domestic Violence Proc. 2/27/17 Tibet Day Proclamation 2/27/17 Library Week Proclamation 4/10/17 Arbor Day Proclamation 4/10/17 Prayer Breakfast Proclamation 4/10/17 Public Works Week Proclamation 5/22/17 Max Richter Proclamation 5/22/17 Humanitarian of the Year Proclamation 6/12/17 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proc. 9/11/17 Constitution Week Proclamation 9/11/17 American Legion Day Proclamation 9/11/17 Proclamation for ME Global 100th Anniversary 10/9/17 Northeast Bank Proclamation 10/23/17 Dan Thompson Proclamation 12/11/17 134 Item 4. PROCLAMATION Breast Cancer Awareness Month: October 2025 Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer among women across all racial and ethnic groups. Through research and advocacy, significant advances have been made in the fight against breast cancer, including increased rates of early detection. In Minnesota, women's 5-year relative survival rate is nearly 93 percent. Nationally, more than 168,000 women and an unknown number of men are living with metastatic breast cancer. At this devastating stage, cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. Currently, no cure exists for metastatic breast cancer. Many individuals with this stage of the disease continue treatment to extend their lives with the best quality possible. American Indian and Black women face the highest mortality rates from breast cancer, followed by white women. Black women, in particular, are often diagnosed at later stages, where treatments are limited or costly, and the prognosis is poor. Men, due in part to a lack of awareness, are generally diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer than women, which negatively impacts prognosis and treatment. Policymakers are urged to address the issues affecting the breast cancer community, including the disparities in care and outcomes for women of color in Minnesota. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of the disease and inspire continued action to build on the progress made. I encourage everyone to take charge of their health by scheduling regular mammograms, performing self- exams, and staying informed about early detection methods. These proactive steps are vital to maintaining health and improving outcomes. Now, Therefore, I, Amáda Márquez Simula, proclaim October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A. ____________________________________ Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor October 14, 2025 135 Item 4. PROCLAMATION Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 13, 2025 Minnesota is home to 11 federally recognized tribes; seven are Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), and four are Dakota Oyate (Dakota). Celebrating Indigenous people on this day brings a moment for education and awareness of the genocide that Indigenous communities endured during the arrival of settler colonialism. Recognizing today's importance allows us to acknowledge the significant contributions of Indigenous people to our city, state, and nation. Indigenous nations in Minnesota continue to face the effects of colonization and continued discrimination against their way of life, language, traditions, and history through the legacy of the Indian Removal Act, Indian boarding school policies, and other policies that infringed on Indigenous rights. The legacy of state and federal policies is visible and present in the crises of Indigenous communities and relatives suffering as unhoused persons or from the opioid epidemic. Indigenous communities are fighting for justice in the historical and present crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The community of Columbia Heights is called to reflect on and work towards better policies and practices that center around Indigenous experiences and honor Indigenous sovereignty. Columbia Heights is committed to being a race, equity, and inclusion leader and encourages our community to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day by learning about, supporting, and connecting with Indigenous communities and organizations. Now, therefore, I Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights, do hereby proclaim October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples' Day in the City of Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of MN, U.S.A. _______________________________ Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor October 14, 2025 136 Item 4. PROCLAMATION National Homeless Youth Awareness Month: November 2025 November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, first declared by the U.S. Congress in 2007 to bring attention to the critical issue of youth experiencing homelessness nationwide. Public schools report that between 1.3 and 1.7 million students, from pre-K through 12th grade, experience homelessness each year, with many relying on schools as their only source of safety, stability, and support. In Anoka County, many young people face homelessness, underscoring the urgent need for community awareness, resources, and coordinated action to address this crisis. Local organizations such as YouthLink Minnesota and Hope 4 Youth are leading the way in providing essential services, educational resources, and emotional support to help youth experiencing homelessness transition toward stability and brighter futures. Hope 4 Youth, located in Anoka, offers a drop-in center, housing programs, and employment resources, giving young people experiencing homelessness the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Hope 4 Youth and YouthLink Minnesota host community events throughout November, including forums, fundraising initiatives, and volunteer opportunities, to increase awareness and promote collective action against youth homelessness. The City of Columbia Heights is committed to supporting organizations and individuals dedicated to ending youth homelessness and fostering a community where every young person has the opportunity to grow and succeed. Now Therefore, I, Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A., proclaim November 2025 as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in the City of Columbia Heights. I encourage all residents to engage in events, raise awareness, and support initiatives that uplift youth experiencing homelessness. ________________________________ Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor October 27, 2025 137 Item 4. PROCLAMATION Homelessness Awareness Month: November 2025 Homelessness Awareness Month has been observed nationwide to spotlight the challenges individuals and families face without stable housing. In Columbia Heights, we recognize the urgent need to address homelessness and the severe impact of the shortage of affordable housing, which directly affects many of our residents. This proclamation recognizes the complex reasons behind housing instability, including the lack of affordable housing, economic hardships, and limited access to essential medical and mental health services. These factors create significant barriers for individuals seeking stable housing. Columbia Heights is actively exploring collaborative solutions to expand affordable, safe, and sustainable housing options for all. We acknowledge and deeply appreciate the dedicated work of local organizations and advocates who provide critical services—emergency shelter, supportive programs, and food security—to our community members in need. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the local organizations in Columbia Heights, Anoka County and the many volunteers who bring relief and hope to our neighbors. Therefore, I, Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights, proclaim November 2025 to be Homelessness Awareness Month in the City of Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A. ______________________________ Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor October 27, 2025 138 Item 4.