City council approves five-year plan for capital improvements

By Heather Rule The Post-Bulletin, Austin MN

Always planning for the future, the Austin City Council approved the $103.4 million, five-year capital improvement plan during its meeting Monday.

The five-year plan is used by the city to plan for future public improvements. It covers 2013-17 and totals $103,391,887. The plan was approved with a 6-1 vote, with Marian Clennon voting against it.

There is a limited use of property taxes over the next five years to help accomplish the capital improvements. The city has been successful at using a combination of investment earnings, adequate user charges and sound fiscal management to leverage city money with funding from outside donations and the state and federal governments.

Department heads from the city offer input for projects in the plan, which include a wide variety of items, ranging from the airport to the wastewater treatment plant to street construction and vehicle replacements.

Five-year plan projects include:

Austin Police Department: Law Enforcement Center remodel, animal shelter, K-9 replacement, three new marked police cars.

Austin Fire Department: Replacing aging fire trucks.

Austin Public Library: Carpet replacement, public access computer replacement, tables/chairs, interior painting.

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center: Stepping bridge replacement, visitor center upgrades, Ruby Rupner Auditorium HVAC, tables/chairs.

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City council approves five-year plan for capital improvements