Vote Laura Helle

09/02/2026

Friends - I'm looking for homes in Austin for my campaign signs and door knocking buddies. You can sign up on my web site for one or both. Thanks!
https://votelaurahelle.com/support-laura-helle-campaign

09/02/2026

The City of Austin, Minnesota uses our General Fund to provide core city services that are used by all residents and businesses at similar rates: police and fire protection, street maintenance including snow plowing, elections, parks, recreation, forestry, and library. In 2025, we spent $1,037 per person living in Austin on these core services. That is very close to the per person spending at peer communities.
Source: City of Austin finance office

(Waste Water Treatment is another core city service. However, actual use is not similar across households and businesses so the costs of Waste Water Treatment is billed through Austin Utilities based on water use.)

09/02/2026

September is Su***de Prevention month. Know the signs. If you or a loved one is struggling call or text 988.

IMO CM AW EP JGF

09/01/2026

My experience on the city council has demonstrated the knowledge, expertise, passion and commitment of our city employees. Thank you for all you do for the community.

08/30/2026

What’s your plan to vote?

08/30/2026

08/25/2026

In 2026, the City of Austin, Minnesota property tax on a median value home was $668. Compared to four peer communities, the City of Austin aligns with Albert Lea and is lower than Faribault, Owatonna and Winona. Owatonna's city taxes are almost double Austin's.
**Please note, property taxes are not paid ONLY for the city; your tax statement also includes the taxes for Mower County, the Austin Public Schools, Cedar River Watershed District and Housing and Redevelopment Authority. As a councilperson, I get to shape only the City portion of that total tax bill.**