Our "Little Free Library" at City Hall needs your help! As summer approaches, our shelves are running low, and we’d love to restock them for readers of all ages to enjoy during the sunny months ahead.
If you have **gently used or new books** you’re ready to share, please consider donating them to support our community of summer readers.
**Drop-off location:** City Hall
**When:** During regular business hours
Your donation helps spark curiosity, learning, and a love of reading throughout our community. Thank you for helping us keep the joy of reading available to everyone!
POSTED 4/15/26-
While the city welcomes the integration of golf carts as a means of transportation in its neighborhoods, safety guidelines and age appropriate use are some of the reasons we also require a permit to drive them within the city limits. *MN State guidelines require that all operators be a minimum of 16 years of age with a valid drivers license. Please be sure your cart is registered by filling out the form on our website and deliver to City Hall. Permits are valid for 2 years. https://acrobat.adobe.com/.../urn:aaid:sc:US:fa695c60... A vehicle permit sticker will be provided for your cart. Full ATV/Golf Cart ordinances for the City of Oronoco can be found here. https://www.oronoco.com/index.asp... Please be courteous by avoiding private property and drive with caution in playground areas. REMINDER* Golf carts and ATVS are not permitted inside the festival zone during Oronoco Gold Rush Days Aug 14-16 due to festival insurance regulations. MN State driving regulations for golf carts can also be found here: https://golfcartsearch.com/golf-cart-laws/minnesota
POSTED 4/9/26-
𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐎𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬!
The Oronoco Parks and Trails Committee is excited to begin highlighting the beautiful parks and trails that make Oronoco such a special place to live, explore, and connect. Each month, we’ll feature a different park and share what makes it unique, what you can do there, and why it’s worth a visit.
From peaceful walking trails to family picnic spots, our parks are here for YOU. Get outside, explore, and share your experiences with us using #𝐎𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡’𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤!
- Take a stroll, enjoy the peaceful trails and experience one of Oronoco's hidden Gems
-From serene walking paths to relaxing outdoor spaces, our parks are here for you.
-Tell us your favorite Park
-Take a walk, bring a friend, or enjoy time with family
The Oronoco Fire Department will be conducting a controlled burn at Riverwood Hills Park on Friday, April 10 starting at 5 p.m. (weather permitting).
This controlled burn has been planned with the Oronoco Parks & Trails Committee, Oronoco Public Works, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The area affected is the undeveloped portion of the park on the south side of the Riverwood Hills trail.
Read more details below
Why a controlled burn?
This carefully managed burn will provide several important benefits, including:
• Reducing wildfire risk by safely removing heavy fuel loads such as dried grasses and brush
• Improving overall ecosystem by promoting the growth of native plants
• Helping control invasive species that can out-compete native vegetation
• Recycling nutrients back into the soil, supporting a healthier park landscape long term
What residents may notice during the burn:
During the burn operation, nearby residents may see or experience:
• Smoke and the smell of burning vegetation for a limited period of time
• Visible flames within the park boundaries
• Fire department personnel and equipment staged in and around the park
• Utilization of nearby fire hydrants in and around the park
• Temporary trail or park access restrictions for safety
The Oronoco Fire Department will be on site throughout the burn to ensure it is conducted safely and within established guidelines.
Following the burn, you may notice some slight discoloration in your water for a short period of time. This is due to flushing the fire hydrants during use.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to proactively care for Riverwood Hills Park and reduce future fire risk.
POSTED 4/8/26 -
Please join us in welcoming three new full time employees to the Oronoco Public Works Department! Public Works Assistants Ross Job of Pine Island, Fischer Griggs of Oronoco and Matt Wobbe of Wabasha bring a combined 10+ years of prior Public Works experience, skill and a great new energy to Oronoco!
Warmer days are just around the corner, so we hope you throw a wave out to our Public Works crew when you see them out and about this season!
Happy Friday Oronoco! We are pleased to announce that we have resumed our City Newsletter in 2026! Spring, Summer, Fall and Year End editions will be published April 1, Aug 1, Oct 1 and Dec 15 annually. Please send your submittals to administration@oronoco.com 30 days ahead of the publishing date to be included. Local Charitable Entity information, Community/Family Events, Resident Resources and City News will be included.
We hope you Enjoy our Spring 2026 Edition available online NOW! 6 FULL pages at the link below!
*also available online @ https://www.oronoco.com/notices-newsletters We hope to have an email subscription option available before the end of the year. Hard copies are available at City Hall.
POSTED 3/25/26
2026 Tax Statements have arrived!
Do you have questions, or want to appeal your properties assessed value or classification?
If you disagree with your property’s market value, you have the right to appeal the value.
1. Collect the facts to present your case by gathering recent appraisals or recent sales of like property that would help to better determine your value or property classification.
2. Contact the Olmsted County Assessor's Office BEFORE April 30th, 2026 by calling 507-328-7670 or visit the County Assessor's Office in the Property Records Department @ 151 4 Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904, during normal business hours.
City of Oronoco Appraiser - Cheryl Gleghorn
The final County Board of appeal and Equalization meeting for the City of Oronoco will be June 23, 2026 @ 6:30 pm at the Olmsted County Government Center. *No meetings will be held at City Hall.
*Appeals made after the open book window for the current assessment year can only be made through tax court.*
2025 Gordon S. Cariveau Sr. Outstanding Citizen Award Winner! - Michael Muller
This award celebrates those who volunteer and give their all in the City of Oronoco with no financial benefit, need or expectation of other recognition. This year’s Outstanding Citizen, Michael Muller began living, working & volunteering in Oronoco many years ago. Helping to found the local chapter of the
Oronoco Lions Club, Mike remains a dedicated member and has also served as it’s elected President in prior terms. Mike helps lead the Lions Community BBQ Appreciation event, facilitates the Lions ice rink at the community center each year, and serves in the Lions Fly Your Flag Program. Mike goes the extra mile working triple time as he also sits on the Oronoco Gold Rush board where he chairs the Kids Zone as well as the Classic Car Show and Parade. You may also recognize Mike as the City's official "Man in the BIG RED SUIT" we've all so loved & adored down at the Fire Hall over the last 10 years. If you see Mike, be sure to throw him a high FIVE! We Thank you for all you do for our Community Sir!
POSTED 3/23/26 - We're Hiring!
City of Oronoco
Seasonal/Part-Time Groundskeeper
Up to 25hours/week.
Responsibilities include maintenance
activities related to municipal parks and groundskeeping.
Applications available@www.oronoco.com/employmentor in person at CityHall. Employment dates are May 1-Sept 30,2026
emailto:cdolan@oronoco.comor drop off at City Hall. Deadline for applying is April 10,2026
The third of four Zoning Ordinance Update Workshops took place on March 12th, 2026. The last zoning ordinance update workshop is scheduled for Tuesday March 31st. A revised Zoning Ordinance Draft will be provided to Council for approval at the April 14th regular City Council meeting. Please find available workshop minutes & summaries along with links to the full agenda documents below. Recorded 2.19 & 2.26 & 3.12 meetings can be watched @
PSA: The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is changing how their postmarks work, and it could affect your tax filings in 2026.
Postmarks will still show the date mail is first processed by USPS, but they may not show the date you dropped something off at a post office or put it in a mailbox. That means time sensitive items like tax returns and payments could be impacted.
What should Minnesota taxpayers do?
*If you plan to mail your tax return or payment, we recommend:
1. Sending it several business days before the deadline.
2. Bringing it to a USPS retail counter and asking for a manual postmark.
Alternatively, customers may file tax returns and make payments electronically. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website @ www.revenue.state.mn.us
In an effort to finalize the proposed Zoning Ordinance updates that have been in process over the last 12-18 months, three planning workshops were scheduled over February and March to address outstanding concerns and to make updates/edits in the language to eliminate redundancy and clarify definitions. Please find here, Public Q & A summaries of the 2.19.26 and 2.26.26 Workshops along with links to the full meeting documents. The third workshop is scheduled for 3.12.26 @ 5:30. Full recorded meetings can be watched @ https://youtu.be/XB5NxkwQxlE?si=jhRDM1f-_eBEjY-k & https://youtu.be/VuMBpF8-J2w?si=ie01DsgHON4fTVCn . The City looks forward to adopting the proposed ordinances in April of 2026. Please contact Administrator Baker @ jbaker@oronoco.com with any questions or comments you may have. Thank you.
Zoning Workshop
When:February 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM-February 19, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Earlier this month the City of Oronoco Water and Sewer project Managers and Stantec Engineers were awarded the 2025 CEAM (City Engineers Association of Minnesota) Municipal Project of the Year for the 2022 Oronoco Wastewater System project.
Awards were accepted by Public Works Director Cain Dolan, Mayor Ryland Eichhorst, City Administrator Jason Baker and Stantec's City of Oronoco Engineer Joe Palen & team.
Oronoco was amongst the last of the largest cities in Minnesota without a municipal wastewater system. The project addressed significant environmental and public health issues and positioned Oronoco to grow and thrive moving forward.
Oronoco’s sanitary sewer improvement project included a combination of gravity and lower pressure sewer systems. The system components include 7 municipal lift stations, 84 grinder stations, 14 miles of gravity sanitary sewer and force main piping. Utility installation required over 9,000 Cubic Yards of solid rock excavation and the project sewer improvements included 2 river crossings and a HWY 52 crossing, all completed using horizontal directional drilling.
Oronoco’s Wastewater Project Costs totaled $45.5 million, of which about $34 million was funding through Point Source Implementation Grants and 3 State Bonding Bill Appropriations. The City’s local cost share was funded via Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving fund Loans administered by the PFA. Ultimately, the project was completed $670,000 under budget.
The project stood out for its technical complexity, innovation, environmental stewardship, funding strategy, and community engagement—and, most importantly, for the lasting public health and economic benefits it provides to Oronoco and the surrounding region.
Attention Oronoco Residents in the following WEST SIDE neighborhoods ONLY:
Riverwood Hills Including Istas Ln, Alona Ln, Chenoa Ln, Riverwood Ln, Valley View Ln, Sunny View Ln, Shady Oak Ln, Valley View Road, Valley View Dr, Riverwood Ct, Riverwood Dr, Lake Shady Avenue, Zumbro Hills Drive SW, 3rd Avenue SW and Energy Ln.
The Public Works Department has identified that your homes are now requiring water meter technology upgrades. Current technology for your water meters are approaching end of life.
All replacements are funded by the water utility. THERE is NO Cost for residents, however, it is mandatory that your water meter endpoint be upgraded to continue working with our digital uploading software. Please visit the link here: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0449ACAD23ABF5C25... or scan the QR code to schedule your 20 minute in home replacement appointment. We appreciate your assistance.
POSTED 1/26/26 - The City of Oronoco currently has two job openings in Public Works. As a growing and vibrant community, Oronoco offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team working to enhance the quality of life for our residents. We value teamwork, innovation, and service excellence. Visit the link to apply here: https://www.oronoco.com/employment
POSTED 1/23/26 - Public Works PSA - Freezing water lines during Sub-Zero temperatures:
The Olmsted County frost table is reaching lower levels than in previous years due to the current and extended sub zero temperatures in our area. This may result in freezing water lines for some of our residents. To determine if your lines are at risk, the Oronoco Public Works Department is recommending that residents run kitchen faucets for approximately 5 minutes and then measure the water temperature. If the temperature is under 40 degrees, continue to run the kitchen faucet at a pencil width stream for several days and/or possibly weeks until the water temperature is steadily running above 40 degrees.
Please visit the Olmsted County Department of Transportation website to follow more on current Frost/Thaw levels at the link below.
While the proposed transmission lines will not run directly through the City of Oronoco, they will be seen along its borders, may include construction burden and will affect some of our community members in the Township. If you would like to learn more, or have concerns about the project please see the information and links below.
POSTED 1/15/26 - City Hall offices will be closed Monday January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
POSTED 12/31/25 - Holiday Hours : City Hall offices will be CLOSED Dec 24-26 and Dec 31-Jan 2 as staff heads home for the Holidays.Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas from your friends at City Hall! We are looking forward to a bright new 2026 with you in the beautiful City of Oronoco.
POSTED 12/22/2025: In February of 2025, the Oronoco Fire Department and Fire Relief Association requested a forensic audit be performed by a third party accounting firm to review and reconcile funds of the 10% gambling contributions and good will donations provided to the City and the related use of these funds from 2013-2024. Council approved and retained the Eide Bailly firm to complete the audit over the course of the last several months. A fact of Findings presentation was held Thursday 12/18/25 @ 6:30pm. That public meeting was recorded and can be viewed on the City YouTube Channel here:
POSTED 12/18/2025:Year round, the Rochester Public Library Bookmobile is available in Oronoco! See the link for monthly scheduled times (every other Saturday) with locations at City Hall and Valley View Drive. Grab your school season reads, pick up a hobby or fill your wish list by hopping aboard this year! Audio books and Video games are also available. https://www.rplmn.org/services/outreach/bookmobile...
POSTED 12/18/2025:With the New Year, come new updates and new opportunities in Oronoco!
1. The City of Oronoco is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated citizens to serve on our volunteer committees, and commissions. This is your opportunity to play an active role in making decisions that impact our community, help guide city projects, and influence policies that matter most to you. Openings on our Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks and Trails committee are available. Please click the link here for more information or to apply. https://www.oronoco.com/index.asp...
• Be the Voice of Your Community: Share your insights and ideas to help improve city programs and services.
• Make an Impact: Your input can shape the future of Oronoco and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
• Learn and Grow: Gain experience in local government, collaborate with others, and develop leadership skills.
• Build Connections: Work alongside other passionate citizens, city leaders, and community members.
2. Get involved with one of the MANY groups, clubs, or charitable foundations in Oronoco. These groups support our community through direct service volunteering who fund the majority of activities your families enjoy in our City throughout the year. Common initiatives include organizing food drives, planning/hosting community events, supporting veteran services and providing youth and senior activities like T-ball and Yoga. Any one of the following groups would love to hear from you.
Oronoco Food Shelf – Donate or Volunteer & help support your community members
Oronoco Lions – Fly your Flag, Toys for Tots, 4th Fireworks, Ice Rink & MANY other Community Events
Oronoco Youth T-Ball – Sign up to play or sponsor a team with your local business.. We also need Coaches!
3. Be sure to check out our online Utility Account Portal where residents now have full access to their water/sewer account history, can make online payments or sign up for auto draft and go paperless, ALL in one place, ONLINE! Simply use the PIN on your invoice to log in. We hope you enjoy! https://bsaonline.com/OnlinePayment/OnlinePaymentSearch/...
Friendly assistance with your utility account is also available through our billing department at 507-367-4405.
We are looking forward to a bright new year with you in the City of Oronoco!
POSTED 12/17/2025: Last night, the Oronoco City Council held its public Truth in Taxation hearing and adopted the Final 2026 budget. Down from the 36% preliminary numbers in September, the total tax levy for 2026 in the City of Oronoco was set at 17.9%. Please see the following links for helpful information that was presented to residents at that meeting.
We would also like to thank those who sent in comments or were present to speak in person during this years budget talks. Your advocacy for the community is appreciated. Truth in Taxation Public Hearing and presentation to residents:CLICK HERE . FULL Adopted 2026 Budget Detail: CLICK HERE
POSTED 12/15/2025 - Eide Bailly Forensic Audit Presentation 12.18.25 -NOTICE OF QUORUM & Meeting Details
Eide Bailly Forensic Audit Presentation
When:December 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM-December 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM
POSTED 12/11/2025 - Dear Residents, You've asked and we've listened. A tax levy breakdown has been completed for residents ahead of the Truth in Taxation meeting scheduled for next Tuesday December 16th. Thank you for your patience as City Council & Staff worked to bring the over all tax rate down to a proposed 18.5% from the original 36% preliminary figures in September.
POSTED 12/10/2025 -Oronoco's Gordon Cariveau Sr. *Outstanding Citizen Award* committee is now accepting nominations for 2025 contenders. This award celebrates those who volunteer and give their all in the City of Oronoco with no financial benefit, need or expectation of other recognition. There are several members in this community worthy of such an honor, we encourage the public to help recognize them. Prior recipients can also be seen in the below link. Please fill out the online form for your 2025 nominations @ https://www.oronoco.com/outstanding-citizen and email to administration@oronoco.com by 4 pm December 30th, 2025. Hard copies are also available at City Hall.
POSTED 12/9/2025 - Notice of Public Hearing - 2026 Truth in Taxation Meeting:
City of Oronoco
Notice of Public Hearing
December 16, 2025
115 2nd Street NW
Oronoco, MN 55960
The City of Oronoco City Council
will hold a Public Hearing on
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, at 6:35 pm.
This Public Hearing is being held for the
Annual 2026 Truth in Taxation Meeting
All interested individuals may attend this Public Hearing
Or send written comment to: City of Oronoco, PO Box 195
Oronoco, MN, 55960, or submit their comment to City Hall
Online at jbaker@oronoco.com on or before 2:00 PM on Monday, December 15th, 2025
By Order of the City Administrator
City of Oronoco
Posted: 12/5/2025
POSTED 12/8/25 CANCELLED., To be rescheduled.Planning & Zoning/ERC Workshop: Thursday December 11 -Notice of Quorum
POSTED 12/8/25 - A Message From Peoples Energy Cooperative:
Starting Monday, December 8, our metering system will undergo planned maintenance, which may affect its ability to automatically report power outages. The planned maintenance will NOT affect your electric service. As always, if you experience a power outage it is beneficial to report it by calling (800) 214-2694 or using our texting service if you are registered. Thank you!
POSTED 11/27/2025:
Please Vote for Oronoco’s New Logo!
The Oronoco EDA has been working on establishing a new logo for the city of Oronoco (to launch in 2026) and we want to know which of the two final options you’d prefer to see represent the community.
Don’t wait! Voting is only open through December 31st, 2025. CLICK THE LINK TO VOTE www.Oronoco.com/LogoVote or vote in person at City Hall.
POSTED 11/19/2025:
City of Oronoco – 2026 Preliminary Tax Levy Update
As we continue preparing the 2026 budget, City staff and the City Council have worked hard to identify cost-saving opportunities and make thoughtful adjustments across all departments. The 2026 Preliminary Tax Levy reflects a realistic and responsible assessment of what it takes to operate our growing community and maintain essential services.
Over the past six weeks, the Council has held several budget workshops to review expenses line by line, identify efficiencies, and make difficult choices where needed. Some planned improvement projects may be delayed as a result of these reductions.
Upcoming Meetings
• Final Budget Workshop: Tuesday, December 2 at 6:00 p.m.
• Truth in Taxation Meeting: Tuesday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Both meetings will take place in the Oronoco City Hall Council Chambers. The final 2026 budget will be adopted at the Truth in Taxation meeting.
We encourage residents to review the summary provided below. Additional detailed information is available from the preliminary budget approval from September 2025.
Oronoco General Fund Report 2025 Actual Vs 2026 Preliminary:
POSTED 11/18/2025:Many of you have been curious about the second new commercial building going up in Oronoco. Please help us welcome our newest neighbors, Junge's Flooring to 15 Energy Lane Oronoco! Relocating from Rochester, to just East of Casey's General Store here in Oronoco, they bring a full service warehouse and showroom featuring luxury vinyl, laminate, hardwoods, carpet and more! Serving both residential and commercial, we think they're a great fit in our community. Welcome to Oronoco Junge's Flooring!
POSTED 11/18/2025: City Council Budget Workshop Scheduled.
City Council Budget Workshop
When: December 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM - December 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
POSTED 11/10/2025:City Hall offices are closed Mon 11/10 (Admin Day) and Tuesday 11/11 (Veterans Day). Offices will re-open Wednesday 11/12.
POSTED 11/10/2025:Tonight's Nov. 10 Waster & Sewer Meeting has been cancelled due to no Quorum
POSTED 11/4/2025:Elections In the City of Oronoco: NOVEMBER 4th, 2025 - NO open elections today for the City of Oronoco. For more local election information, please visit our website here: https://www.oronoco.com/elections
POSTED 11/3/2025: Public Notice: ERC/Planning & Zoning Workshop, Nov. 12, 2025 - 5:30pmNotice of Quorum
POSTED 11/3/2025:Public Notice: City Council Budget Workshop, Nov. 17, 2025 - 6:30pmNotice of Quorum
POSTED 10/21/25: CANCELLEDCity of Oronoco Notice of Public Hearing November 13, 2025 115 2nd Street NW Oronoco, MN 55960
The City of Oronoco Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, at 6:35 pm. This Public Hearing is to consider a Lot Split at Lot 1 Block 3 Woodsview Subdivision Parcel ID: 84.18.41029017
All interested individuals may attend this Public Hearing Or send written comment to: City of Oronoco, PO Box 195 Oronoco, MN, 55960, or submit their comment to City Hall Online at jbaker@oronoco.com on or before 2:00 PM on November 10thth, 2025 . By Order of the City Administrator, City of Oronoco
POSTED 10/16/25: A revised City of Oronoco zoning ordinance proposal has been released from WSB with recommendations to approve from the Planning and Zoning commission as of todays date. The proposed changes will be submitted to Council for final approval on Tuesday 10/21/25. Revised Copy 10/13/25:Click here to view full PDF. Also available, Shared WSB Zoning Ordinance Documents for 10.21.25 Council Packet
POSTED 10/16/25: Fall Clean-UpOur Age Friendly Oronoco Area members are offering Fall clean up assistance on Saturday October 25th, 10am - 1pm. If you are in need of help with outdoor clean up chores, OR would like to volunteer to help out a few community members in need, contact:
Help Stock Our Little Free Library!
**Drop-off location:** City Hall 
**When:** During regular business hours
Get outside, explore, and share your experiences with us using #𝐎𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬.
Attention Riverwood Hills Neighborhood 
- Michael Muller 
If you see Mike, be sure to throw him a high FIVE! We Thank you for all you do for our Community Sir!
Gopher to Badger Transmission Line: 
We are looking forward to a bright new 2026 with you in the beautiful City of Oronoco.
City of Oronoco – 2026 Preliminary Tax Levy Update
Upcoming Meetings
Learn more about the 2026 Olmsted County Preliminary Tax Levy:
Our Age Friendly Oronoco Area members are offering Fall clean up assistance on Saturday October 25th, 10am - 1pm. If you are in need of help with outdoor clean up chores, OR would like to volunteer to help out a few community members in need, contact: