Estherville Council Approves Rate Increase, Stadium Funding, and Storm Sewer Project

The city is moving forward with several major infrastructure and funding initiatives.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Estherville City Council has approved a 15% increase in electric rates starting in April, a $50,000 contribution toward the ELC stadium complex using Local Option Sales Tax funds, and continued planning for a 2026 storm sewer improvement project to address longstanding flooding concerns.

Why it matters

The rate increase and infrastructure investments demonstrate Estherville's efforts to maintain and upgrade its public utilities and facilities to serve the community. The storm sewer project in particular aims to resolve persistent flooding issues that have impacted residents and businesses.

The details

The electric rate increase, the first since 2017, was deemed necessary based on the city's financial review. The $50,000 stadium contribution will be funded through Local Option Sales Tax revenue, per a recommendation from the local economic development organization Excel Estherville. The storm sewer project will involve installing multiple pipe sizes to better handle heavy rainfall in the North 3rd Street area.

  • The electric rate increase will take effect in April 2026.
  • The bid letting for the storm sewer project is scheduled for February 24, 2026, with a public hearing to follow on March 2, 2026.

The players

Penny Clayton

Estherville City Administrator

Excel Estherville

The local economic development organization that recommended the $50,000 stadium contribution

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What they’re saying

“The change marks the first increase for the city since 2017.”

— Penny Clayton, City Administrator (northwestiowanow.com)

“The project will require installing multiple pipe sizes to handle heavy rain.”

— Penny Clayton, City Administrator (northwestiowanow.com)

What’s next

The bid letting for the storm sewer project is scheduled for February 24, 2026, with a public hearing to follow on March 2, 2026.

The takeaway

Estherville is proactively addressing its infrastructure needs, from upgrading electric rates to investing in storm sewer improvements and community facilities, demonstrating the city's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its public services and amenities.