By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
The City of Northfield is currently in a discussion regarding its four separate utility accounts. Northfield residents pay their monthly utility bill charges based on four different accounts: Garbage, Stormwater, Wastewater (Sewers), and Water (Drinking water). The money in each of these utility fund accounts is used to cover the operations, equipment, and construction costs of each utility.
The City Council was presented with a rate analysis study report in early September and approved rate increases for Garbage, Stormwater, and Wastewater. The Council will take up approval of the rate increases for the Water fund on Tuesday.
Based on the average Northfield customer from the past year, the average utility bill was $91.79. Depending on the plans approved by the City Council, the average bill is expected to rise over 10 years, to between $135.99 on the low end and $181.04 on the high end.
Listen to the News:
From the 9/16/2025 City Council Meeting
From the 9/16/2025 City Council Meeting.
Here’s Mayor Erica Zweifel explaining the study:
“So there was a study done that Baker Tilly looked at what we had, what was coming to hit each fund in terms of infrastructure projects. And that’s what these recommendations are based on. So it was really helpful walkthrough of this is what you’re planning in the next four or five years.” – Erica Zweifel, Northfield Mayor on KYMN In the Morning
Garbage, Stormwater, & Wastewater Funds:
Let’s begin our discussion with the three funds that have already been approved by the city. For garbage, the rate studies recommendation is 6.5% in 2026 and 2027, followed by a 3.5% increase in 2028. The increase is based on costs related to increasing rates from trash haulers and $1 million in projects slated for the city’s compost site. Among the projects is building an emergency exit bridge to bypass the train crossing if it were blocked.
For the stormwater fund, the recommended increases are 5.0% in 2026 and 2027, followed by a 2.0% in 2028. City Administrator Ben Martig noted that Northfield’s stormwater fund is complicated by the Cannon River and flooding:
“And as it relates to stormwater, we are on the higher end of the stormwater fees, but we live along a river with a lot of built development. The city has been proactive with flooding management, proactive mitigation in our neighborhoods and along the river, and that does come at a cost.” – Ben Martig, Northfield City Administrator on KYMN In The Morning
Nearly $6 million in flood-related projects are expected in the next three years, with $3.5 million covered by utility bills, the remaining by grants.
And for the Wastewater fund, the council had two options to choose from: a baseline of projects and work that need to be completed, or a more expansive list of projects, with a higher cost. The council opted for the baseline option, which is a 3.0% annual increase. The baseline cost increases include over several major projects in the next 4 years, including $10.6 million for biosolids cake storage and $2.7 million for a new water supply system.
Water Fund Discussion Revolves Around Water Treatment Plans:
The discussion primarily revolved around the city’s water fund and a future plan for the now on-hold water treatment plant. Four scenarios were proposed by the rate study, recommending different plans to save funds for the water treatment plant or not save funds at all:
- Scenario A: Baseline scenario – pay for projects through 2028 and accumulate resources for future treatment plant
- Scenario B: Minimum rate impacts – pay for projects without growing reserves
- Scenario C: Plan for $82.7 million gravity filter and Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant in 2030
- Scenario D: Plan for $75.6 million gravity filter water treatment plant in 2030
Additionally, each rate increase factors in the cost of additional projects that were looking to be done.
Given the discussion and split stance of the Council, it was determined to wait to approve the Water Fund at a separate meeting when all of the Councilors were present.
Will keep you posted as we have more information.
Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:
> Click here to listen on Spotify
> Click here to listen on Apple Podcast
Do you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: Logan@kymnradio.net
