Posted: 2/10/05
By MaryHelen Swanson
Home building is down in North Branch. A year-end report shows that there were 153 new home permits issued in 2003 but only 107 in 2004.
There is an upside to the 2004 report, noted City Administrator Joe Lynch. He pointed to a consistent 14 percent commercial growth.
Councilwoman Amy Oehlers said it was a good thing ñ a positive thing ñ that home starts are down and commercial growth is up. The citizens have asked for this, she said, adding that the city should be proud of the building report.
With the building permits down, fees are down. The city council was a bit concerned Jan. 24 with how that will affect the cityís budget.
NB City finance director Dave Stutelberg told the councilors the budget would be reviewed in summer at which time the city could look at the fee charges or decreasing expenditures so there would not be a cash shortfall.
Stutelberg said he believed the city had done a good job preparing the 2005 budget with built-in contingencies.
He said the city should be able to take care of anything it will face this year.
The total of all permits issued for 2004 was 353 (including such things as remodeling, fences, decks, etc) with a total value of $33,414,846.
Commercial growth accounted for $18,546,846.
©ECM Post Review
6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com