Leadership Transition

August 7 marked a significant transition for the City of Owatonna. Previous City Administrator Kris Busse left City Hall for the last time as an employee after welcoming Jenna Tuma to the role. The following day, previous Human Resources Director Emily Thamert was promoted to Assistant City Administrator.

Community members can chat with Tuma when she joins other staff at the City’s Steele County Free Fair booth on the following dates:

• August 13 from 3 until 4 p.m.
• August 14 from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m.
• August 15 from 4 until 5 p.m.
• August 16 from 10 until 11 a.m.

City Council Reviews Site Options for Police and Fire Facilities 

The Owatonna City Council received an update from its consultant ICS at the Aug. 4 Study Session regarding progress on the site selection process to meet the facility needs of the Fire and Police Departments. This update is part of a thorough, phased planning effort to create modern, safe, and efficient public safety buildings that will serve the community for decades.

Following the Council’s December 2024 approval of a $2.95 million investment in phase two of the planning process, the City has focused on siting, scoping, and now designing facilities that meet the long-term needs of Owatonna’s residents and first responders. Throughout this process, the Public Safety Task Force and Facilities Steering Committee have evaluated how best to replace aging and outdated buildings with purpose-built facilities that support both current operations and future growth.

After evaluating six potential sites and 34 layout options, the Facilities Steering Committee recommended:

• The existing LEC site near Pearl Street for the Fire Department
• The West Hills Campus for the Police Department

The current fire station is a landmark in Owatonna. As the City develops a proposed plan to build new public safety facilities, it is also taking steps to see this historic building reused in another capacity if feasible.

The recommended locations were selected based on key criteria:

• Utilizing property already owned by the City to avoid land acquisition costs
• Avoiding the need to purchase any additional residential or commercial land to complete the projects
• Locating the fire department centrally to minimize response times
• Finding a flexible location for the police department, as officers patrol citywide each day
• These sites both offer the potential to support future expansion, helping the City plan for continued growth and evolving public safety needs

This approach reflects the City’s commitment to a cost-effective, long-term facilities solution that enables police and fire personnel to work more effectively and safely to better serve the community. ICS and its subconsultants will continue design work, with a targeted date to receive bids in late spring or early summer 2026. The current estimated total project cost for the facilities is $61 million. While the City has allocated funding for the design phase, a final decision on project funding will be made by the City Council next year. The City anticipates issuing bonds in 2026 to support construction, as part of a broader strategy for responsible, long-term financial planning.

As the project progresses, the City will continue to provide updates. Addressing the need for updated public safety facilities is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to delivering the services and amenities that community members expect and want. Visit owatonna.gov for additional information and ongoing updates.

Movies at the Library

Night to Unite Success!

August 5 was recognized in Owatonna as Night to Unite which is a statewide crime prevention program. In Owatonna, 32 block parties brought neighbors together to enjoy potluck meals, games and more. Police and Fire Department staff, City Council, Mayor and the City Administrator visited block parties to interact with attendees, explain programs the City offers and demonstrate public safety equipment. Owatonna police officers collected school supplies donations for the Children’s Remedial Fund of Steele County to give to underprivileged kids. Thanks to the community for making this event a great success, to everyone who hosted a party, to all who participated and to all who made donations.

Watch City Meetings Online!

Owatonna’s City Council meetings are available to watch live or on demand. Visit owatonna.gov/Government/Mayor & City Council to see options and links. Click this link to view a live feed of Owatonna’s Public Access, Education & Government Channel where City Council meetings are aired live and rebroadcast. Or, to view any past City Council meeting on demand, click this link: owatonna.gov. Owatonna School Board meetings are also available to view through these options.

Helpful Links

Stay Informed

• Events: Access calendars to view upcoming events.

• City News Releases: View news releases published by the City of Owatonna.

• Newsletters: The City of Owatonna publishes a weekly newsletter called Owatonna Update. Current and past newsletters are available here.

• Social Media: Stay connected with the City of Owatonna by following these social media sites.

• Spotlight Videos: Videos produced by the City of Owatonna.

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