New City Finance Director

The City of Owatonna announces Emily Burns has been selected as its next Director of Finance. Burns began serving in this role effective October 7.

The City of Owatonna conducted a comprehensive selection process to identify its next Finance Director. The opening was advertised on local (City website), state (League of MN Cities) and national (Indeed) job boards. The selection process included two rounds of interviews with panel members consisting of representatives of the City Council, City leadership and a finance director from another public employer.

“Emily’s education, experience and background make her an excellent fit for the City of Owatonna,” said City Administrator Kris Busse. “We are excited to have an individual like Emily join our leadership team to guide our Finance Department!”

Burns has demonstrated finance and leadership experience with the City of Cimarron and the City of Garden City in Kansas. She also has experience working in private and non-profit organizations. She is an active member of the National League of Cities, Government Finance Officers Association and the International City/County Management Association. Burns expects to complete her Master of Arts degree in Public Administration in December. “We look forward to welcoming Emily into our community,” Busse continued. “I am confident her leadership skills, paired with her commitment to public service and demonstrated finance experience with public employers, have positioned Emily for success in this role.”

For additional information about the Finance Department or other services provided by the City of Owatonna, please visit owatonna.gov or follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook.

Grant Helps Fund New Speed Signs in School Zone 

The Owatonna Police Department is pleased to announce the successful installation of a grant awarded earlier this year. The $9,058 grant, generously funded by the Owatonna Foundation, was supplemented with $773 in forfeiture account funds enabling the Police Department to acquire two radar signs that provide drivers with immediate feedback by digitally displaying their speeds.

With the construction of the new high school, officers determined it would be beneficial to position these signs in that zone to enhance safety for students, parents and staff as they travel to and from school. This area also serves as a primary location for students transferring buses during their commute home.

Research indicates that digital feedback signs effectively capture the attention of drivers, leading to behavioral changes reflected in data demonstrating a reduction in speed. This technology allows the Police Department to collect data via Bluetooth downloads. This information will be analyzed and, if patterns of illegal speeding are detected, targeted patrol efforts can be implemented.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Owatonna Foundation for embracing our proposal and turning it into a reality, ultimately contributing to the safety of our community,” said Police Chief Jeff Mundale.

2024 Coptober for Kids!

Are you looking for something fun to do over the MEA school break? Well, mark your calendars! The Owatonna Police Department's third annual COPTOBER event will be October 17 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Owatonna Public Library. The police officers are so excited for kids to come and hang out with them! Learn what it takes to become a police officer and how to keep children safe. This free family event will be fun and educational with hands-on demonstrations, book readings, squad car tours, K9 visits, fingerprinting, handouts and so much more! The event is designed for fifth-grade students and younger.

We’ll Save You a Seat!

Weekly Meeting Schedule

Agendas, meeting minutes and packets for upcoming meetings are available at: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

October 15: City Council Study Session at 5:30 p.m. including a tour of Merrill Hall and meeting at the Chambers in the Charles S. Crandall Center at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. If time permits, there will be general updates on various boards and commissions. The regular City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. and includes two public hearings for comments on the following: 

• Establishing Development District No. 20, proposed adoption of Development Program, and establishment of Tax Increment Finance District 20-1.
• Proposed assessments for unpaid costs for mowing and nuisance compliance costs.