Minden · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Minden public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2026-2027 Budget Amendment
The council must choose between a 4% across-the-board raise for all employees or a '411' plan favoring police and fire. Both plans spend down accumulated sales tax reserves, which the administration says historically rebuild through strong sales tax collections.
$5.5 Million in 2026 State Appropriations
The city's lobbyist reported $5.5 million secured this session — fire station, Robertson lift station, water tank, and more — bringing two-year total funding to nearly $14.5 million.
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit Results
The city got a clean opinion on its finances, and sales tax grew from $8.2 million to $9 million while the general fund balance rose to $13.7 million. But the utility fund lost about $3 million — mostly power costs — and auditors flagged repeat findings on late audit submissions and year-end bookkeeping that staff are working to fix.
Quarter 3 budget status and franchise fee payment issues
City finances are roughly on track at the 75 percent mark of the budget year, but some companies paying franchise fees are having trouble switching to electronic payments, leaving about $200,000 outstanding.
Delta Regional Authority FY2026 grant application
Minden's oldest water well dates to 1975, and the city is pursuing a $500,000 federal grant toward a roughly $1.5 million replacement. The city guarantees matching funds and hopes the state will help cover the remaining $1 million.