One of the most notable discussions at the meeting centered around the approval of a $300,000 special benefit tax levy for 2026 as presented by Don Bacon and Dara Lee from the Klay County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. This levy is part of an ongoing effort to support affordable housing and address child homelessness. Bacon emphasized the agency’s role in assisting approximately 1,600 individuals, including children, people with disabilities, and seniors, and noted that the levy aims to maintain the funding level of previous years. He highlighted successful partnerships that had leveraged significant funding for local housing initiatives, stating that the community expects a return of about $25 for every dollar invested.

Council members expressed strong support for the initiative. One member articulated the need to address the housing crisis and praised the minimal tax impact of the levy, describing it as “minuscule” compared to the benefits it could bring. Another member echoed these sentiments, recognizing the housing authority’s challenging work and the positive ripple effects it has on the community. With no opposition from the council, the resolution to approve the special benefit tax levy passed unanimously.

The meeting also focused on concerns raised by residents regarding mold issues in rental properties, notably those managed by Skyline Property Management. A resident described ongoing problems with mold due to previous floods and expressed frustration about the lack of clear enforcement measures or certified expertise to confirm the presence of mold. The resident questioned the efficacy of the city’s rental licensing program in ensuring habitability and sought clarity on who is responsible for mold inspections.

In addition to these topics, the council welcomed five new police officers to the Moorhead force. During the badge pinning ceremony, each officer was individually recognized, and family members were invited to participate in the proceedings. The officers then took an oath to uphold the Constitution and public trust, a ceremony led by a council member. The event was attended by family and friends.

The council also held a public hearing on the 2025 Border City Enterprise Zone and the city enterprise zoning program. The program plays a role in supporting local businesses, particularly in addressing disparities in workers’ compensation costs across state lines. The council reviewed statistics from the previous year, noting that 88 businesses had participated, representing around 2,100 full-time employees and resulting in $350,000 in credits. Proposed changes for the upcoming year include increasing the credit level and the program cap. Council members expressed support for these adjustments, emphasizing the need to assist local businesses amid upcoming legislative changes that may impact their costs.

The council further considered a resolution approving an option agreement with DG Fuels for a portion of city-owned property, a step toward establishing a sustainable aviation fuel project in Moorhead. Discussions acknowledged the significant state and federal requirements involved, with council members expressing confidence that the agreement posed low risk to the city while facilitating DG Fuels’ application process for federal support. The agreement was approved without opposition.

Residents also raised other community issues during the meeting. One resident criticized the council’s practice of beginning meetings with a land acknowledgment, arguing that it was not matched with meaningful actions to support indigenous communities. The resident recounted a personal tragedy involving police misconduct and urged the council to either take substantial actions to honor their words or cease the practice altogether.

In closing, council members reflected on recent community events, including the successful Greater Moorhead Days parade and the fly-in and drive-in event at Florence Klingan Smith Field. The council celebrated the strong community turnout and engagement, expressing plans to expand these events in the future. Updates from various committees, including discussions on waste management and economic development, were also shared, highlighting ongoing efforts to address community challenges and opportunities.