MARSHALL, Minn. — Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes says several major city projects have been completed this year, while other construction work will continue into 2027.

During a recent interview with Marshall Radio, Byrnes discussed the completion of the Highway 19 and College Drive reconstruction project, ongoing stormwater improvements, upcoming trail projects and challenges involving the city budget and Marshall-Lyon County Library funding.

Byrnes called the Highway 19 project a major investment in the community, with improvements to the roadway, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water mains and pedestrian crossings. The project also included a roundabout at Country Club Drive.

“This project has been a good project. And it’s one of those projects that you really only do once a generation,” Byrnes said.

A $15.4 million federal RAISE grant helped fund the project, which involved both the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the city. Some work, including tree planting and turf establishment, will continue into next spring.

Other completed city projects include the reconstruction of South Sixth Street and North High Street, along with the Southview Trail, which connects the library area to Southview Drive and Highway 59. Byrnes said the trail was fully funded through federal and state grants.

Construction is also underway on the third phase of the Legion Field stormwater project. The work includes a large detention pond designed to help manage runoff and reduce neighborhood flooding. Byrnes said the project is the final major component of the city’s long-term stormwater improvements.

Additional projects include repairs to the levee system near Victory Park following heavy rainfall in July 2025, renovations to a sanitary sewer lift station near Justice Park and demolition of the former aquatic center. Playground equipment and a small shelter are also expected to be installed near the new Splash Aquatic Center.

Looking ahead, a new trail along Lyon Street is scheduled for construction in 2027. The city also plans to replace the traffic signal at Country Club Drive and South Fourth Street with a partial roundabout next year.

Budget and library funding

Byrnes said city officials have been working on the 2027 budget since the summer. He said the city tries to balance community needs with the impact of property taxes on residents.

“Our goal has always been, and my goal has really been, you know, try to keep your tax rate the same,” Byrnes said.

The city’s tax capacity increased about 6.3% over the past year, which Byrnes attributed to new construction and additional properties contributing to the tax base.

Housing development also remains a priority, with several homes under construction or in the planning stages. Byrnes said there could also be renewed interest in multifamily housing in the Block 100 area, although mortgage rates and construction costs remain challenges.

The city is also facing discussions over funding for the Marshall-Lyon County Library system. Marshall and Lyon County have historically shared operating costs, with the city contributing two-thirds and the county contributing one-third for the Marshall library and the branches in Cottonwood and Balaton.

Byrnes said the county’s preliminary budget reduced its contribution, although county officials later approved a resolution to restore some funding with the expectation that Marshall would contribute additional money. The goal is to keep the Cottonwood and Balaton branches open.

The proposal had not yet been presented to the Marshall City Council at the time of the interview. Byrnes said council members would discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting.

“This is a challenging, and probably will challenge the long-standing partnership between City of Marshall and Lyon County,” Byrnes said.

Byrnes also discussed the upcoming election, noting that Marshall voters will elect council members in all three wards, along with a special election for a two-year Ward 2 term following the resignation of Council Member Amanda Schwartz.