City Board & Commission Openings

The City of Owatonna encourages community members to attend public meetings and serve on any of its 12 boards and commissions. Applications are being accepted to fill open seats on the Owatonna Human Rights Commission and the Owatonna Public Utility (OPU) Commission effective May 1. The OPU commission will represent Ward 1 and must reside there. The Application Form is available online.

Investing in Public Safety

Why Owatonna needs new facilities—and why now

Public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of City government. Every day, our police officers and firefighters protect community members’ well-being. As your Police Chief and Fire Chief, we are committed to providing a high level of professional service. We are asking for the community’s support because our facilities can no longer provide the level of service Owatonna needs and deserves. Our Police and Fire Departments operate in buildings that weren’t designed for modern public safety operations. These limitations affect safety, efficiency and how we serve those who rely on us.

Built as a commercial bank nearly 60 years ago, Owatonna’s Law Enforcement Center restricts officers’ ability to operate effectively. It lacks secure holding areas, proper evidence processing space, adequate parking and private rooms for sensitive conversations with victims and witnesses. The Fire Station, built in 1906, was designed for a different era and is not equipped to provide the space, ventilation, decontamination or living quarters required for today’s emergency response or modern fire apparatus. In both facilities, aging infrastructure including leaking pipes, failing HVAC systems, outdated technology and limited storage creates daily challenges that directly affect response times, safety and wellness.

After assessing options and evaluating public safety facilities in other communities, the City has concluded that the most responsible approach is to build two new facilities—one for police and one for fire—at the same time. There are three key reasons:

1. Fast response times must be protected - building the new Fire Station where the current Law Enforcement Center is located and relocating the Police Department to the West Hills campus will keep both departments centrally located and ensure quick response times across the City.

2. Responsible use of existing City property - both sites are already owned by the City so no additional land is needed.

3. Costs will only rise if we delay - construction, labor and materials costs continue to increase with inflation; therefore, we will pay more later for needs that are already urgent and placing more strain on aging facilities. In addition, efficiencies will be gained in the planning, design and construction with both facilities proceeding within the same timeframe.

Our priority is simple: to provide the highest quality public safety service possible. Owatonna is growing and our responsibilities are growing with it. Now is the time to invest in public safety infrastructure that will serve this community for the next 50 to 100 years. We invite you to learn more about this project at the next Open House February 26 from 4 until 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. You can also find information at Owatonna.gov/psf.

Thank you for your consideration,

Jeff Mundale, Owatonna Police Chief
Ed Hoffman, Owatonna Fire Chief

2026 Street Reconstruction Projects

Cardinal Drive SE & Ivy Street SE

Major street and utility projects involving varying degrees of reconstruction to street sections, water main and service replacement, sanitary sewer and service connections, several storm sewer structures and pipe construction and several sections of curb and gutter are planned for 2026. The streets included in this year's project are Cardinal Drive SE and Ivy Street SE. View the Project Location Map online.

The 2026 Street & Utility Project will be financed through a combination of funds from the City and Owatonna Public Utilities and special assessments.

A neighborhood meeting will be held in City Council Chambers February 12 from 4 until 6 p.m. Staff will be present to go over plans, schedules, and answer questions.  A Preliminary Assessment Hearing is scheduled for February 17 at 7 p.m. during the City Council Meeting.

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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