City of Owatonna, MN Government

08/31/2026

Welcome back to school, Owatonna students!

Our School Resource Officers are back in the hallways and ready for another year of building connections, supporting students, and helping keep our schools safe. Here’s to a great first week of school, Owatonna!

08/28/2026

NEWS RELEASE

Owatonna's bond rating, clean audit shows strong financial foundation

OWATONNA, August 28, 2026 – Two recent measures of the City of Owatonna’s financial health provide a clear picture of a strong financial foundation – the City has maintained an Aa1 bond rating and recently received an unmodified, or “clean,” audit for the 2025 fiscal year.

08/27/2026

NEWS RELEASE

Lake Kohlmier Reopening August 27, 2026

Lake Kohlmier is re-opening based on bacteria test results received today that are within the normal range for swimming and programming.

Water at Lake Kohlmier is tested weekly by staff to ensure levels meet Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.

Bacteria level may fluctuate based on environmental factors such as rain or wind or temperatures, time of day, number of visitors, wildlife, stormwater runoff, surrounding vegetation and beach characteristics.

For more information, please visit the Owatonna Parks and Recreation page, visit owatonna.gov, or call the Parks and Recreation department at 507-444-4321.

08/26/2026

❓Want a firsthand look at Owatonna's police and fire stations?

Ahead of the November 3 vote on whether to invest in new public safety facilities, the City is inviting residents to take a guided tour of the current stations. These tours will give residents an opportunity to:

🚔🚒 See how aging buildings and limited space impact daily operations, training and emergency response
💬 Ask questions and speak directly with City leaders
📅 Make an informed decision on Election Day

Sign up for a Police Station tour here: https://bit.ly/3SgKvYM

Sign up for a Fire Station tour here: https://bit.ly/3U579Uz

For more information about the proposed plan, visit YourProtectionOurPriority.org.

08/25/2026

🎉Honoring a journey of dedication and success!🎉

Please join us on September 17th in the Owatonna Arts Center as we wish Chief Mundale good health and much happiness heading into his next awesome chapter in life - RETIREMENT!

Chief, thank you for your leadership and countless contributions to the Owatonna Police Department and our community. We hope retirement brings you all the adventures, relaxation, and fun you deserve! And please...don't be a stranger and come back to see us! 👮🏻🚨🚓

08/25/2026

🚔🚒 Why address police and fire station needs now?

City leaders have spent several years studying Owatonna's public safety needs, and the message is clear: delaying these projects will increase costs and make it more difficult for police officers and firefighters to do their jobs and keep our community safe.

🖱️ Learn more about the proposed plan to invest in new public safety facilities at YourProtectionOurPriority.org/plan

08/21/2026

The Owatonna Police Department presented at a City Council study session earlier this week regarding Flock Safety and the system the department is using.

Learn more about OPD's use of Flock cameras: https://owatonna.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12878/Flock-Safety-Camera-Information-August-21-2026

08/20/2026

📍 Haven't stopped by yet? There's still time to visit the City's booth at the Steele County Free Fair!

➡️ Learn more about the proposed plan to invest in new police and fire stations and get answers to your questions from City staff.

08/19/2026

Owatonna Mayor Matt Jessop delivers his “Mayor’s Minute,” a brief recap shared after each City Council meeting highlighting key discussions, votes, and takeaways.

You can find each Mayor’s Minute, along with City Council meeting recordings, on the City’s website: https://www.owatonna.gov/1987/View-Council-Meetings