Page 17 - 2018 Someplace Special

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City of Austin
ustin is one of the most progressive communities in
staffed with sworn officers, fire fighters and other emergency personnel. Our
the upper Midwest with a strong international presence, a growing and diverse Public safety is a priority. The Austin Police and Austin Fire departments are fully
population, and a myriad of amenities and services rarely found in a community community also takes pride in the state-of-the-art Austin Public Library, which
of 25,000 residents. And yet we enjoy one of the lowest property tax rates in the has programming and lending services to accommodate all ages from toddlers to
State of Minnesota. seniors. The Austin Municipal Airport boasts a 5800-foot runway to facilitate use by
both prop and jet aircraft, connecting Austin to the broader world.
Located directly off I-90, we are famously known as the home of Hormel Foods
Corporation, a multi-national, Fortune 500 company, and The Hormel Foundation, Most city departments are housed in City Hall in downtown Austin and stand ready
one of Minnesota’s top giving foundations, whose contributions directly benefit the to service your needs.
Austin area and include capital building projects. That combination helps keep our
residential taxes low and public amenities high. Mower County
The Mower County Government Center is conveniently located in downtown Austin
Austin is the county seat of Mower County. Elected officers include the mayor and and is home to most of the 15 departments that provide services throughout the
seven city council members. All water, sewer, natural gas and electrical services are county. The county is overseen by a five-member Board of Commissioners.
provided through municipally owned operations. Mower County is one of 87 counties in Minnesota and acts largely as an arm of
state government. The Government Center is an access point for health and human
Nearly 30 parks provide ample green space and recreational opportunities services, public records, land use and permitting, extension services and public
throughout the community and include the more than 500-acre Jay C. Hormel works. The Mower County Sheriff’s Department works closely with the Austin Police
Nature Center, the 150-acre Todd Park complex and the Cedar River State Water Department and shares a common communications center.
Trail. Three motorized boat landings, several canoe/kayak access sites, and two
fishing piers offer plenty of water access. Other recreational opportunities include That spirit of cooperation between all units of government is another example of
extensive softball and baseball complexes, bike trails, two ice arenas, and a how people work together efficiently and effectively to make Austin someplace
municipal pool with several water features. special for everyone.