Carrie
Kehn

What should Osseo do with the city-owned cannabis dispensary?

Their pick: Proceed, but review the numbers often.

The city has committed our money to this business. They approved the bond/loan, and are moving forward with construction. As mayor, I will do what I can to help this business be successful as it's the only way we can possibly avoid being on the hook for the loan through our property taxes. Osseo should be open to new opportunities, but we must also be responsible stewards of public funds. Economic development should build our community — not create financial uncertainty for the residents who call Osseo home. Osseo leaders should actively seek out new businesses which fit the image of this small town. We want to be a city that is inviting to everyone. If we keep building dispensaries and smoke shops, what will Osseo's image become?

How should Osseo set the 2027 property tax levy?

Their pick: Hold the levy flat.

Tax payers are fed up with the constant and often large increases in property taxes and assessments. The current proposed budget is reflecting an increase largely due to the division of the 'dual role', which many residents have asked for. If they didn't make that change, the budget increase would be significantly less. Even with that change, I believe there is room to find creative alternatives to eliminate the levy increase. Responsible financial stewardship means ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely. Sound financial decisions require thoughtful planning, due diligence, and frequent assessments to ensure they bring value to the city. City leadership needs to ask - will this bring value? Will this cost money or save money? Are there lower cost alternatives? Is this a need or a want? Who does this serve? Is this investment appropriate for the size of this community? Is the information provided correct?

How many police officers should Osseo have?

Their pick: Reduce the number of officers.

Our police department budget is over half the entire city's budget and significantly higher than comparable cities. A well-run city needs the right number of employees and resources to provide quality services, but it also has a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently. Our police department operates 24/7/365. The department operates on 12 hour shifts with 2 police on staff at all times. After accounting for vacation, sick leave, etc this calculates to needing 8-9 full-time patrol officers. Osseo currently has 10 patrol officer positions, a Lieutenant, a Detective, a full-time Chief, and an office manager. If the Lieutenant and Chief fill in for absences, 9 patrol officers is more than enough. As mayor, I will take a deep dive into this budget to question the spending and find opportunities to cut unnecessary spending, and find efficiencies between departments or in the way the department operates.

Should one person serve as both police chief and city administrator?

Their pick: Split it into two jobs.

I believe good government relies on clear roles, accountability, and appropriate checks and balances. In my opinion, combining the roles of City Administrator and Police Chief creates an inherent governance challenge and potential conflict of interest because one individual is responsible for both managing a department and approving that department's spending. My position has always been to return to two separate full-time positions: a City Administrator responsible for the overall management and financial oversight of the city, and a Police Chief responsible for leading the police department. Separating these responsibilities provides greater transparency, strengthens accountability, and ensures that budget decisions receive independent review. Update: As of the 10/22 council packet, Chief Mikkelson is stepping back into the full time chief role, and a full time administrator will be appointed/hired.

How should Osseo approach new business downtown?

Their pick: Actively recruit new businesses.

Osseo is known for being and having the small town feel even though it is surrounded by a large metropolitan area. Our neighborhoods, local businesses, and small-town atmosphere define who we are and why people choose to live here. As we grow, we should strengthen—not lose—the character that makes Osseo unique. I will work with the Osseo EDA and build on the tools already available to attract and retain businesses that fit the city’s character and meet the needs of the community. I will build relationships with local business groups, property owners, businesses and developers to identify opportunities to make Osseo their next home. Through careful planning and the Comprehensive Plan, we can work with new businesses to redevelop underutilized areas as they become available while maintaining the character and purpose of our existing business districts.