Mandan City Commission Special Meeting – January 13, 2026: Public Facilities Discussion and Funding Strategies\n\nThe Mandan City Commission held a special meeting on January 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Veterans Conference Room of Mandan City Hall to discuss planning and funding for major public facilities, including the wastewater treatment plant, fire station #3, city hall renovation/replacement, and police department needs. Commissioners present were Hunchaan, Braun, Roar, Schilbert, and Mayor Frelick. Staff and bond counsel provided financial and legal guidance. No consent calendar or public comments were presented.\n\n### Discussion Items\n- Wastewater Treatment Plant: Estimated cost of approximately $11 million (with a $10 million placeholder). Financing options include a state revolving fund at 2% interest over 20–30 years. Two scenarios were presented: (1) utility rate increases alone, requiring about $57/month total over five years for a typical resident, or (2) with a voter-approved 1% sales tax buy-down, reducing the total increase to about $22–23/month. Staff recommended an incremental rate increase already started in 2026. The plant is considered a high priority and must proceed regardless of other funding.\n- Fire Station #3: Identified as an immediate need due to response times on the northwest side. Design work is already underway. Funding is to be included in the proposed sales tax package.\n- City Hall: Renovation estimates range from $12–15 million (2015 and 2023 studies). The city has $6 million in a remediation trust from diesel fuel cleanup to apply. Options discussed include renovating the current building (with potential to add floors), building new on the same site, or relocating to the old high school site or other locations. The decision depends on downtown parking, community perception, and partnership opportunities with the school district or park district. No location has been chosen. The school district expressed interest in a joint facility but faces legal limitations on receiving sales tax funds; a lease arrangement might be possible.\n- Police Department: Combined with city hall in a new or remodeled facility, or as an expansion of the existing Law Enforcement Center (LEC) with the county. Parking constraints at the LEC were noted. Security costs would be higher if municipal court is included.\n- Funding Mechanisms: Two primary options were reviewed: (1) a sales tax increase (1.75%, net +1% after the expiring 0.75% sports complex tax) – revenue bonds, easier for voters to approve; (2) general obligation bonds requiring a 60% supermajority and appearing on primary/general elections only, with a mill levy of about 34 mills and property tax increase. Bond counsel noted that sales tax bonds would have a separate rating from the city’s existing GO rating. The 0.75% sales tax for the park district’s sports complex is on track to be paid off by late 2027/early 2028, 13–14 years early.\n- Ballot Timing: Discussion centered on June vs. November 2026 elections. The statutory deadline for ballot language is 64 days before the election. Staff noted the tax department requires 90 days’ notice to implement a new tax. Commissioners generally leaned toward November 2026 to allow more time for public engagement and concept designs, though some noted older, more conservative voters may turn out in higher numbers in November. A special election is also possible if the measure fails.\n- Public Engagement and Design: Commissioners emphasized the need to show taxpayers conceptual designs for city hall (remodel vs. new build) and to include the police department option in the same process. An RFP for architectural services will be developed to provide cost estimates and floor plans without full detailed designs. \n\n### Key Outcomes\n- The commission directed staff to proceed with planning for a November 2026 ballot measure that would include a 1.75% sales tax increase (to take effect after the 0.75% tax expires) to fund the wastewater treatment plant, fire station #3, city hall (renovation or new), and police department needs.\n- Staff will develop an RFP for city hall and police facility design concepts (remodel at existing location, new build on current site or elsewhere, and expansion/co-location with county LEC) and conduct public engagement.\n- The wastewater treatment plant and fire station projects are to move forward regardless of the sales tax outcome; the sales tax would buy down utility rates for the plant.\n- No formal vote was taken on the timeline; consensus was to aim for November 2026 and bring back a detailed plan to a future commission meeting. Future regular meetings were announced: January 20, 2026 (5 p.m.) and February 3 and 17, 2026 (5 p.m.).