Council to consider April 1 bond election to fund new animal welfare shelter

Monday, Stillwater City Councilors will hear a presentation from City staff on an resolutions to set an election date for a $8.75 million general obligation bond on April 1, 2025. The bond will fund the construction of a new animal welfare facility near the Stillwater Regional Airport. 

• GO bonds are a type of loan that municipalities can use to finance substantial capital projects by raising property taxes over a specific period.

Who pays? Pretty much everyone. If passed by a simple majority of voters, homeowners, landlords and businesses that own commercial property will see an increase in their property tax bill. Tenants may indirectly pay if their landlord chooses to increase rent due to the increased cost.

How much? According to the presentation, a property with a $200,000 taxable value will pay an estimated $53.12 per year for 15 years.

A long overdue upgrade for furry friends without a home

Catch up: In 2021, the City of Stillwater organized community meetings to gather residents’ direct input to identify project priorities. The most pressing concerns were the need for a new fire station and improved animal welfare facilities, which were deemed essential for maintaining Stillwater’s quality of life. 

• In 2022, City Council chose to focus a $9 million GO bond election on Fire Station #2, which voters overwhelmingly supported.
• In 2023, City staff proposed a location in between a residential neighborhood and the northern tip of Boomer Lake. Many area residents came out against the location questioning the proximity to the lake flood zone and their homes.

Staff proposed a new location near the Stillwater Regional Airport in March 2024. An August bond election was up for discussion but was never set.

• Note: Municipalities and other taxing entities tend to avoid placing tax-raising questions on a general election ballot. Especially if it’s a presidential election.

While the City of Stillwater has not made an official proclamation to operate a no-kill animal shelter they do claim a 95% live release rate and rarely euthanize a cat or dog based on a lack of space.

• However, a 2023 report card for the shelter shows 3 dogs were euthanized due to a lack of space. The overall live release rate was 96.45%.
• According to the City website, Animal Welfare maintains a 95% live release rate and 90% is considered the minimum for “no-kill shelters.”
• The current kennel can only house 20 dogs.

Plans for the new animal welfare facility would almost double the animal housing capacity and provide a clean environment for animals and employees. The building's design also separates kennels from catteries. 

• The current animal welfare facility requires passing through the catteries to access kennels. A problem for people with cat allergies and cats who don’t like dogs.
• New facilities could drastically reduce the need to euthanize a dog or cat based on a lack of space.

On the Consent Docket

The consent docket is where multiple or single items can be voted on with no discussion among elected officials. Any item can be removed from the consent docket if requested by a member of the Council. 

• On Monday's consent docket is an employment agreement for City Attorney Kimberly Carnley that includes a $200,000 annual base pay for three years.

🗒️ View the City Council Agenda for Jan. 27, 2025
📺 Watch the live meeting at 5:30 p.m. on YouTube

Stillwater Utility Authority already sees increased revenue from data center project

Acting as Trustees of the SUA, City Councilors will get to vote on a budget amendment reflecting increased revenue of $56,600 related to the Kipper LLC electric service relocation. 

View the SUA Agenda for Jan. 27, 2025

Downtown landlord applies for assistance to revamp storefronts

Acting as Trustees of the Stillwater Economic Development Authority, City Councilors will consider an application from Steve Green for $15,000 in small business assistance from the Downtown TIF #3 fund to upgrade buildings at 918 & 920 S. Main Street with ADA entrances, a new canopy and signage.

Quarterly report from Chamber shows role in Project Rohan

The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce will present their quarterly economic development report to Trustees. According to the report, the Chamber has provided a coordinating role in Project Rohan, the code name for the coming data center complex from a yet-to-be named big tech company. 

View the SEDA Agenda for Jan. 27, 2025