Otsego City Council: Jeffrey Dahl

Jeffrey Dahl

Address: Otsego

Family: Wife and 3 kids

Education: Associates Degree in Business Management

Occupation: Licensed low voltage technician

Age:49

1. Previous experience in elected office: I have been an Otsego City Council member since 2021

2. Previous civic and community involvement: I have volunteered as a Cub Scout fundraiser chair, a Scout Den leader, and an Assistant Coach for youth basketball and football.

3. What three things do you hope to accomplish if elected to the Otsego City Council? If re-elected, I would like to make Otsego suitable for all ages-from young families to our aging population. I hope to continue the progress on the Emergency Services/Fire Department by keeping the construction of the building on schedule for completion and within the planned budget. Delays for this project will only increase the cost for the community. Also, I hope to obtain clean and odorless city water by continuing the work on water clarity by expanding the water filtration systems in the four pumphouses and with a strategic plan to build an additional pumphouse due to population growth.

4. What experience do you have that makes you uniquely qualified for this position? I have the ability to build and maintain strong relationships by actively listening to the individuals’ concerns, addressing their issues, and maintaining open lines of communication. I am able to gain trust which usually results in a long-term partnership.

5. What is your biggest accomplishment in public life? No answer given.

6. What decision of the Otsego City Council have you liked most and why? Otsego is the largest city in Wright County; therefore, I agree with City Council on their decision to establish an Emergency Services/Fire Department. I would prefer to keep Otsego taxes in our community, instead of allocating a percentage to help fund three neighboring cities via Fire Service contracts. Additionally, I agree with the City Council approving Costco to build within the community because this will increase the tax revenue.

7. What decision of the Otsego City Council have you liked least and why? The decision of the City Council I disagree with is delaying the construction to expand the Public Works building because with Otsego’s rapid growth there is a large amount of equipment needed to maintain the city. Currently, some of this expensive equipment which was purchased with tax-payer funds is being stored outside in the harsh elements.

8. What experience do you have working with large budgets? What would be your approach to budgeting for the city? What city services would you consider reducing to balance a budget or cover new expenditures deemed necessary or important? In prior years Otsego City taxes have not increased to the point of it being detrimental to the infrastructure of the city. In the past few years, the city has grown exponentially, and the budget has been projected well to cover these expenditures. Nevertheless, there are several services that need to be established and maintained in our community to make our neighborhood livable for everyone — therefore an adjustment to taxes may need to occur. However, being an advocate for sound fiscal management of the taxpayer’s dollar is something I take seriously.

9. What do you hope could be said about Otsego in 10 years that can’t be said now? That Otsego progressed into having an excellent infrastructure and enhanced its public safety. As the largest city in Wright County, Otsego’s growth in these areas needs to be implemented to create an overall positive atmosphere within the community that benefits the people of Otsego, of all ages-young and old.