A significant portion of the meeting focused on the adoption of a resolution setting the wages for the city administrator, department heads, and non-union supervisors for 2025-2026. The resolution aligns these wage adjustments with those negotiated in union contract settlements, allowing for a 3.75% increase on January 1st and a 2.75% increase on July 1st.

Additionally, the council ratified the hiring of new personnel, including a recreation specialist and new paid-on-call firefighters. These hirings reflect the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance community services and emergency response capabilities. The recreation specialist position attracted 43 applicants, while the firefighter roles drew 15 applications, with four successful candidates completing pre-employment processes.

Discussions also covered the authorization of staff to advertise for the 2024 Statewide Affordable Housing Aid funds. The city anticipates receiving additional funds, totaling $101,048, which will be available for allocation by early next year. The council plans to decide on recipients by February, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing initiatives.

Furthermore, the council considered a shared service agreement with the Brainerd Economic Development Authority (EDA), valued at $177,000 for 2025. This agreement supports various city functions, including contributions from city personnel to the EDA’s operations.