MASA is grateful to Ehlers for our ongoing support of the Polaris Award. Check out MASA's press release on this year's recipient.

Ehlers' Financial Specialist Jonathan Schatz discusses how Wisconsin Municipalities can maintain financial stability while facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Read the article on Page 8.

Well managed utility funds were the topic of discussion during the city of North Branch's work session on March 17, along with a presentation of the city's Utility Fee Study by Ehlers. Jessica Cook, Economic Development Advisor with Ehlers Inc. provided council with the update. "I have the pleasure of sharing some good news with you this evening, especially in the difficult time it's nice to have, as it relates to the storm water fund and the sewer fund," Cook began.

Ehlers' client, the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District, approved financing and awarded bids April 13 for construction of artificial turf fields at Eagan and Rosemount high schools. Jodie Zesbaugh, Ehlers' Senior Municipal Advisor serving the district, detailed the positive sale results for the District's School Board.

Sean Lentz, a senior municipal advisor from Ehlers, presented the bond proposal to the board, which was met with unanimous approval. According to Lentz, the final proposal pitched a total of $35,910,000 for the village's bonds, with an expected closing date of April 29. Lentz will appear before the board again on April 13 to discuss awarding the sale of the bonds when bids are available to choose from.

Bringing Park Rapids school facilities up to snuff will come at a cost – but, according to a project development consultant, a cost that local taxpayers might deem reasonable.

The Big Lake School Board awarded the sale of $7.35 million in general obligation facilities maintenance bonds at its Thursday, Jan. 23 meeting. Senior Municipal Advisor Shelby McQuay of school district financial advisor Ehlers, Inc., enthusiastically presented the low bid, a savings of $760,000 in interest over the 15 years compared to the pre-bond estimate of 2.7 percent.

As the renovation project at Aitkin High School comes close to entering its final phase, one piece of the puzzle has yet to be sorted – the location of the school offices.

Financial management planning is a smart, comprehensive way for your city to set a sustainable course for fiscal stability over a five- to 10-year horizon.