By Emma Nelson
State Funding Secured for Sanitary Sewer Main Replacement
The City of Taylors Falls has received $1.5 million in state bonding funds dedicated to replacing a failing 8-inch cast-iron sanitary sewer force main that currently serves the city’s entire municipally owned collection system. In addition to preventing sewage backups and overflows, the upgrade is expected to protect public health, preserve the St. Croix River environment, and improve long-term system reliability. The replacement involves installing modern, corrosion-resistant materials and surge control features. A public health and environmental priority for residents, the project reflects growing demand for infrastructure investments.
Work timelines are pending design completion and contractor selection. City officials have emphasized that the project is critical to preventing more costly emergency repairs down the road.
Hursh Metal Erectors Development Extended Amid Regulatory Hurdles
The long-anticipated relocation of Hursh Metal Erectors to a lot in the Taylors Falls Business Park saw new movement as the City Council granted an extension. The “substantial completion” clause in the original agreement—requiring August compliance—was officially deemed unmet. Nevertheless, the city waived related penalties and approved a new deadline of April 30, 2027, while work on site preparations, including footings, may begin this fall.
The ironworking plant’s move has been delayed in previous years, drawing concern from nearby residents in Center City. Joel Hursh, representing the company, reported progress on the building permit resubmission, with plumbing and state regulatory reviews now under focus. City officials continue to support the project in concept, citing its potential to generate jobs and expand industrial capacity locally.
New Communication Tool and Council Measures to Address Community Concerns
To keep residents informed as these major projects advance, Taylors Falls has launched TextMyGov, a mass notification tool that delivers city alerts (construction, maintenance, meetings) via text message. Residents can opt in to stay updated on sewer work, public hearings, or changes to local services. The feature went live in early August 2026.
In recent council meetings, officials also discussed an administrative enforcement ordinance to help address nuisance issues like abandoned vehicles, unfinished construction sites, and yard debris. Unlike criminal measures, this process would use civil remedies to enforce city ordinances—responding to frustration that current enforcement through the sheriff’s office is limited.
Budget Shifts Reflect Growing Demand for Core Services
As part of the 2027 preliminary budget and levy proposal, Taylors Falls city staff recommend a 7.2% increase to the levy, raising it from approximately $926,000 to $993,000. Key increases are directed toward sheriff patrols, animal control, and the general fund, while areas like street improvements and park funding are seeing slight reductions in proposed allocations. Council will hold a public hearing under Minnesota’s Truth-in-Taxation process on December 2 at 6 pm at City Hall to finalize numbers and hear resident input.
What’s Next for Residents
- Watch for city announcements about public meetings and permit applications for the sewer main project and Hursh plant relocation.
- If interested, opt in to TextMyGov to stay informed about service disruptions and city council actions.
- Attend the December hearing to provide feedback on the proposed 2027 levy & budget.
- For those impacted by nuisance or zoning issues, track updates on the development of administrative enforcement tools.