Welcome to the City of Foley…a Minnesota thriving rural community!

City of Foley has a strong economic base, a convenient and accessible location, education system, numerous recreational activities and a quality of life, based on traditional values.

Notices.

Seasonal Water System Maintenance May Cause Temporary Water Discoloration
Foley Public Works will be flushing the city water system this spring as part of routine maintenance of the water system. If you encounter discolored water during this period, you can run the cold, unsoftened tap for a few minutes to clear it up. The discoloration is not harmful to humans or animals. The color change is due to water sitting in the larger mains and the iron settles out. The sediment sits on the bottom of the main until the water flow is increased. The flushing process stirs up the sedimentation in the pipe and the water turns black or brown. This process also cleans out the stagnated water in the mains that have little water usage. If you have any questions, please call Foley Public Works at 320-968-4082.

Wastewater Treatment Expansion Update

In a 4-1 decision, the Foley City Council approved the city’s Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan during the April 2, 2019, council meeting. Mayor Gerard Bettendorf and the council expressed appreciation to city staff and to everyone in attendance for their participation in the public hearing. The next step is for the City to submit the approved facility plan to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

The City of Foley’s wastewater plant has reached capacity. The approved Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan gives an overview of the existing conditions and also explores multiple options for expansion.

You can read the full, newly approved Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan (April 12, 2019).

For more information: Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion

Central Minnesota Water Education Alliance (CMWEA)

The City of Foley is a member of CMWEA, a collation of Central Minnesota cities, counties and other organizations that provides educational outreach to promote water quality stewardship. The mission of CMWEA is to develop and implement educational programs that encourage individuals in Central Minnesota to protect water resources by increasing their knowledge and making simple behavior changes. By working in concert, the members of CMWEA are able to provide a consistent water quality educational message in a cost-effective manner. Funding is provided by membership dues. Play Clean Water Bingo and take the Clean Water Pledge!

Foley City Council Votes to Raise Water/Sewer Rates and Fees for 2019

The Foley City Council voted unanimously during their Dec. 4 council meeting to raise the city water/sewer rates for 2019. The new 2019 rates are roughly the equivalent of a 5% increase over the 2018 rates. Foley residents will see an increase to their minimum water/sewer bill from $83.49 to $87.69.

The City of Foley is systematically raising rates to fund an anticipated wastewater system upgrade as well as to qualify for state funding for the project. Without state funding, Foley residents could end up footing the entire bill for the anticipated multi-million wastewater improvement project.

Rates are effective upon publication, Jan. 1, 2019. Foley residents will see the new rates reflected in their first quarter 2019 water/sewer utility bills scheduled to arrive in mailboxes in April 2019.

For more information:

Sump Pump Water Discharge
Residents are requested to move sump pump discharge hoses away from sidewalks and roadways to the edge of road right-of-way, so water drains onto your lawn or yard.

To prevent water from pooling on properties and creating a nuisance for neighbors, it is recommended residents move their discharge hoses frequently so the water can be absorbed faster into the soil.

The City of Foley Code of Ordinances Section 1100 defines a public nuisance as anything that endangers the public safety. This includes anything that interferes with, obstructs, or renders dangerous for passage, any public highway or right-of-way, or waters used by the public.

For more information: Please contact Foley City Hall at 320-968-7260.

The City of Foley Needs you! Board Positions Available Jan. 1, 2019
As of January 1, 2019, there will be positions available on various City boards. The terms of these positions vary from one to four years. Anyone interested in being considered for appointment or with questions, please contact City Hall at 320-968-7260, or P.O. Box 709, Foley, MN 56329.

Safe Routes to School
The City of Foley is kicking off our Safe Routes to School planning efforts! The city received a Planning Assistance grant from MnDOT earlier this year to help convene a team, prioritize strategies, and identify solutions.

Minnesota Safe Routes to School is an effort to improve walking and bicycling conditions for our youth and encourage more active lifestyles. Read more about how you can participate on our Safe Routes to School page.

Automatic Withdrawal Payment Option
The Automatic Withdrawal Payment option allows you to pay your water bill directly from a checking or savings account through automatic withdrawal. To set up the direct payment option, please print out the form below and mail to City Hall along with a voided check/deposit slip.

Direct Payment Application Form

Please Note:

Automatic withdrawal customers will still receive copies of their water/sewer bill in the mail every quarter.
The bill will be clearly marked with the message, “DO NOT PAY – DIRECT PAYMENT.”
Please remember to update your account records to show you have paid your bill.

City of Foley One-Time Dog Licenses Available at City Hall
Foley residents are required to purchase a $20.00 one-time dog license that is good for the life of the dog.

The City of Foley offers a $20 one-time dog license that is good for the life of the dog.

Dog license is a one-time $20 fee for the lifetime of the dog.
License tags can be transferred to another dog for a $15 fee.
Lost tags can be replaced for a $5 fee.
No dog shall be permitted to run at large within City Limits.
Dogs are required to be on a leash or under control at all times.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog.
Owners are responsible for keeping dog up-to-date on rabies vaccination.
Owners are responsible for updating their contact information.

Proof of current rabies vaccination is required at the time of issuing license. The new ordinance was passed at the March 7, 2017, City Council Meeting.

MN 23 Crash Reduction Project Update
Benton and Mille Lacs Counties – Law Enforcement are conducting extra patrol efforts with the goal of reducing fatal crashes on Highway 23 in both counties. Involved in the enforcement project are Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Department, Foley Police Department, Milaca Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol.

For more information:MN 23 Crash Reduction Project Update (Feb. 24, 2017) ; WCCO Interview with Chief McMillin and Sheriff Heck

Due to the possibility of unauthorized modification of electronic data, errors in transmission, HTML browser incompatibilities, and other aspects of electronic communication that are beyond our control, information contained in the City’s website should not be considered suitable for legal purposes. Contact the City Hall to verify accuracy.