Waite Park’s State of the City Delivered Wednesday

(KNSI) – Looking forward to future growth was the theme of Waite Park’s state of the city address Wednesday afternoon at The Ledge amphitheater.

Mayor Rick Miller said Waite Park’s future is bright.

“I think it’s in very good shape. We’re a growing city right now and it’s moving right along, and we’ve got a bright future.”

Waite Park residents will vote on a proposed half-cent sales tax in November. The funds would pay for a new police station behind BioLife and connect the Lake Wobegon bike trail with others. Miller says a sales tax is the most cost-effective way to build the projects.

“The half cent sales tax is charged to everybody that comes into our city. And 80% of the people that come to Waite Park are from out of town, and 80% of the people that commit crimes in Waite Park are from out of town. If we had to put this on our tax statements, it would be astronomically high. This is a cheap way to get things done that need to be done.”

The city of Waite Park will also ask state lawmakers if they can use the sales tax for road improvements on 10th Avenue South.

The police department announced they hired two police officers, and they’re starting a community engagement division which will include a Community Outpost, commonly called a COP House. Miller says it’s something the community needs.

“We’re the most diverse community in the state of Minnesota. That’s hard to believe, but our population isn’t that high, and our population of minorities is high, and so, we need to address that issue. We need to work with that issue. We need to make all of them feel welcome and so, that’s what this will do.”

Two more weather warning sirens will be added in 2022. They’ll be added to the city’s other 26 sirens.

Miller says Waite Park is planning for years of growth and is finishing its strategic plan and has started working on a comprehensive plan. Mayor Miller explains the difference.

“The future strategic plan is looking at what you’d like the city to be, what would you like to see in the city of Waite Park in the next year and 20 years from now. The comprehensive plan is the land development and how to get to it.”

Waite Park is asking for another $7 million in bonding money for an expansion project to add another restroom and a second concession stand. Officials say the amphitheater is expected to draw 60,000 to 80,000 visitors a year with a local economic impact of $8 to $10 million. The Ledge will host its first big show of the season on May 28th when Aaron Lewis takes the stage. Ten other acts are already booked for the season, and the city hopes to book a couple more.

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