The first of two public hearings on the just compensation if the City of Slayton were to purchase a piece of Xcel Energy was sparsely attended in the online format on Tuesday.
Administrative Law Judge Christa Moseng presided over the brief hearing, in which each side – Xcel and the city – gave a quick recounting of their facts.
Moseng explained that because the parties have been unable to reach an agreement on the purchase price, the determination would be made by the Public Utilities Commission. Moseng said she would conduct the public hearings and the evidentiary hearing and make recommendations to the commission. Her report to the commission is due May 11, 2026.
First to speak was Riley Conlin, representing Xcel, stated Xcel is a vital member of the community, involved in events such as the county fair, 4th of July fireworks and Pumpkinfest. Impacts from the proposed sale, he said, was that customers would lose access to conservation programs and rebates. Conlin stated that Xcel would no longer pay annual property taxes related to their infrastructure if the sale were to go through.
Representing the city of Slayton, Administrator Josh Malchow gave a brief history of the case, stating Slayton voters had approved a ballot question in May of 2024 asking if the city should purchase Xcel Energy’s electric distribution property operated in the city to form a municipal utility.
Malchow said the benefits of local ownership and control were in the best interest of the residents, institutions and businesses. After months of negotiation, the two entities were unable to agree on a price, which prompted the city to file a petition with the PUC to find just compensation.
There were no members of the public online to make any kind of comment. Moseng said the public could comment on any portion of the subject, but the hearing was simply to focus on just compensation.
There is a second public hearing on Wednesday, December 10 at 5 p.m. at the Murray County Central Auditorium.
