ESTHERVILLE, IA — The City of Estherville is moving forward with several major infrastructure and funding items.

During their regular city council meeting on Monday, February 2, the council approved a 15-percent increase to electric rates.

City Administrator Penny Clayton said the city’s financial review made the increase unavoidable.

The change marks the first increase for the city since 2017.The adjustment will start beginning in April, and notices are expected to be included with upcoming billing statements.

The council also approved a $50,000 contribution toward the ELC stadium complex.She noted the donation will be funded through Local Option Sales Tax dollars, a recommendation from Excel Estherville.

In other business, the council continued discussions on the 2026 storm sewer improvement project, which targets longstanding flooding concerns on North 3rd Street and surrounding areas.

Clayton highlighted the need for the upgrades.

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

The bid letting is scheduled for February 24, with a public hearing to follow on March 2.