City of Watkins, 111 Central Ave. So., P.O. Box 306, Watkins MN 55389
Phone: 320.764.6400 •Fax: 320.764.6401
email: [email protected]
NOTICE: There will be an increase in water and sewer rates effective January 1st, 2025. Water rates will increase from $7.63 to $7.70 per thousand gallons. Sewer rates will increase from $11.95 to $12.10 per thousand gallons. The last rate increase was in 2018.
ATTENTION business owners and homeowners in Watkins: The City of Watkins has been awarded funds for residential owner-occupied home repairs from the MN Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) to rehabilitate 20 houses as well as funds for Commercial Rehab to rehabilitate 8 commercial buildings. The funds will be administered by United Community Action Partnership, Inc. Income guidelines must be met for the owner-occupied home repairs program. Please click HERE for more information on the program and scroll down to the section for the City of Watkins.
It's not too late to apply!
NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS: The City has amended Chapter 72 of the City Code. Specifically, Section 72.02, Snow Removal and Parking; Fines. The City may declare a snow emergency to exist in the City whenever snow falls to a depth of two (2) inches or more. This emergency shall continue in effect for a period of twenty-four (24) hours or until terminated sooner by the City if conditions permit. During a snow emergency it shall be unlawful to park on either side of a city street, alley, avenue or other public way. Any vehicle found in violation will be towed at the owners' expense. There will be no warnings issued.
Click here to view the full ordinance.
USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Repair Loan and Grant Program
Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this program provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. For more information visit our website or contact the local Rural Development office at
320-235-3540 ext. 4.
USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program
Also known as the Section 502 Direct Home Loan program, this program offers mortgage financing to help eligible low- and very-low-income homeowners buy, build, or repair a rural home as their primary residence. For more information visit our website or contact the local Rural Development office at 320-235-3540 ext. 4.
NOTICE: Meeker Area Food Shelf's Mobile Food Shelf Program will be in Watkins the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Please call 320-693-7661 to schedule a food drop off. For more information go to www.meekercountyfood.org.
The Energy Assistance Program is available to low-income Minnesotans to help pay their energy and heating bills. The application period is currently open. You can find more information at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website. Energy Assistance Program / Minnesota.gov (mn.gov)
REMINDER: OPERATION OF ALL GOLF CARTS WITHIN THE CITY REQUIRES A PERMIT. PERMIT APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL. GOLF CARTS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO OPERATE BETWEEN SUNRISE AND SUNSET. PERMITS ARE GOOD FOR 3 YEARS.
Phone: 320.764.6400 •Fax: 320.764.6401
email: [email protected]
NOTICE: There will be an increase in water and sewer rates effective January 1st, 2025. Water rates will increase from $7.63 to $7.70 per thousand gallons. Sewer rates will increase from $11.95 to $12.10 per thousand gallons. The last rate increase was in 2018.
ATTENTION business owners and homeowners in Watkins: The City of Watkins has been awarded funds for residential owner-occupied home repairs from the MN Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) to rehabilitate 20 houses as well as funds for Commercial Rehab to rehabilitate 8 commercial buildings. The funds will be administered by United Community Action Partnership, Inc. Income guidelines must be met for the owner-occupied home repairs program. Please click HERE for more information on the program and scroll down to the section for the City of Watkins.
It's not too late to apply!
NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS: The City has amended Chapter 72 of the City Code. Specifically, Section 72.02, Snow Removal and Parking; Fines. The City may declare a snow emergency to exist in the City whenever snow falls to a depth of two (2) inches or more. This emergency shall continue in effect for a period of twenty-four (24) hours or until terminated sooner by the City if conditions permit. During a snow emergency it shall be unlawful to park on either side of a city street, alley, avenue or other public way. Any vehicle found in violation will be towed at the owners' expense. There will be no warnings issued.
Click here to view the full ordinance.
USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Repair Loan and Grant Program
Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this program provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. For more information visit our website or contact the local Rural Development office at
320-235-3540 ext. 4.
USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program
Also known as the Section 502 Direct Home Loan program, this program offers mortgage financing to help eligible low- and very-low-income homeowners buy, build, or repair a rural home as their primary residence. For more information visit our website or contact the local Rural Development office at 320-235-3540 ext. 4.
NOTICE: Meeker Area Food Shelf's Mobile Food Shelf Program will be in Watkins the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Please call 320-693-7661 to schedule a food drop off. For more information go to www.meekercountyfood.org.
The Energy Assistance Program is available to low-income Minnesotans to help pay their energy and heating bills. The application period is currently open. You can find more information at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website. Energy Assistance Program / Minnesota.gov (mn.gov)
REMINDER: OPERATION OF ALL GOLF CARTS WITHIN THE CITY REQUIRES A PERMIT. PERMIT APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL. GOLF CARTS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO OPERATE BETWEEN SUNRISE AND SUNSET. PERMITS ARE GOOD FOR 3 YEARS.
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City residents are now able to pay their city utility bill through GovPayNet. Click Here to pay your City Water Bill.
The City will also accept payment for swimming lessons and Village Hall rental through GovPayNet. Please Note: You must register for lessons (when available) and reserve the Village Hall through City Hall before submitting payment for either. Click Here to pay for swim lesson fees or Village Hall rental fee. NOTE: There is a service fee for all transactions based on the amount you are paying. A screen will show you the service fee after you enter the amount of payment. Thank you. |
WELCOME to the CITY of WATKINS
Official Website
Watkins is a growing community of over 960 people, rich in its German-Catholic heritage with a history dating back to 1886 with the building of the railroad and was established as a Village on May 2, 1893. Located in Meeker County, 60 miles west of the Twin Cities area and 25 miles southwest of St. Cloud. MN State Highway #55 runs east and west through Watkins while CSAH #2 runs north and south through the City.
The City of Watkins was named after a railroad employee for the Sault Ste. Marie Railroad and is also the birthplace of Eugene J. McCarthy, a former United States Senator and 1968 Presidential Candidate.
Several large employers in the City include Mies Outland, CentraSota Cooperative, 5 star rated Hilltop Health Care Center, Schmitz Pallet, Mid-Minnesota Concrete and Louisiana-Pacific Corp.
The City of Watkins is a Plan A Statutory City governed by a Mayor and four Councilpersons.
The City has an Electronic Message Board for posting public notices of meeting dates/times or for community events.
Browse this Website by clicking on the above HEADINGS and then on the Drop Down Headings or stop and experience our community.
THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, and reprisal. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil rights; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Stop 9410; Washington, DC 20250-9410
Or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The City of Watkins was named after a railroad employee for the Sault Ste. Marie Railroad and is also the birthplace of Eugene J. McCarthy, a former United States Senator and 1968 Presidential Candidate.
Several large employers in the City include Mies Outland, CentraSota Cooperative, 5 star rated Hilltop Health Care Center, Schmitz Pallet, Mid-Minnesota Concrete and Louisiana-Pacific Corp.
The City of Watkins is a Plan A Statutory City governed by a Mayor and four Councilpersons.
The City has an Electronic Message Board for posting public notices of meeting dates/times or for community events.
Browse this Website by clicking on the above HEADINGS and then on the Drop Down Headings or stop and experience our community.
THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, and reprisal. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil rights; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Stop 9410; Washington, DC 20250-9410
Or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.