A central topic during the meeting was the approval of the 2025 budget, which had undergone significant adjustments before reaching a final tax levy of 5.81%. The decision was influenced by additional funds from the airport, which provided an estimated saving of $40,000. These savings were earmarked for projects related to Voyageurs National Park, a move praised for potentially reducing taxpayer burden.

Despite the eventual unanimous approval of the budget, the process was not without its critics. Resident Joe Caner expressed his frustration over what he perceived as excessive spending given the city’s declining population and the economic challenges faced by residents. Caner’s concerns touched on anticipated salary increases and the financial strain of planned facility upgrades, such as those for the salt shed and City Garage. He sought clarity on accessing public information about city salaries, a request that was met affirmatively by the council.

The budget discussions also saw some council members questioning the urgency of finalizing the budget, with calls for greater transparency and clarity on its implications. The chair responded by emphasizing the lengthy preparation process, which included multiple budget meetings since April, and the necessity of timely approval to meet county submission deadlines.

Another issue raised during the meeting was snow removal, highlighted by resident Lawrence Micus. Having recently relocated from Chicago, Micus shared his experience with the city snowplow depositing snow and ice onto his freshly cleared sidewalk. Describing the snow as “ice bricks,” he asked the council about the city’s policies and urged for a more effective snow management approach. The council acknowledged his concerns, noting the importance of such feedback to address public works issues. Micus was encouraged to send photographs documenting the snow accumulation to the city administrator for further review.

The meeting also covered several administrative matters, including license renewals for local businesses and the approval of support for the Arrowhead 135 event. These items passed without discussion, reflecting routine council business. However, the council did engage in more discussions on other topics, such as the first reading of the shade tree disease control ordinance and the approval of a new stop sign at 4th Street and 9th Avenue to enhance safety.

Personnel changes within the fire and ambulance services were another focus, with the resignations of several staff members being accepted without further discussion. The council highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to ensure public safety and efficient service delivery.

The meeting also touched on long-term city projects, particularly the rehabilitation of the VOR garage and equipment garage. While a motion to proceed with the project was initially made, it was ultimately tabled to allow the incoming mayor to review the situation.

The outgoing mayor’s service was a notable theme, with council members and the city administrator expressing gratitude for his decade-long leadership. The mayor reflected on the challenges and achievements during his tenure, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the council in addressing economic development and infrastructure improvements. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges, such as the slow pace of government and the need for further annexation efforts, but remained optimistic about the community’s future.

As the meeting concluded, members noted the upcoming public hearing on January 6 and the transition to new leadership at the next city council meeting. This change marked the end of an era for the outgoing mayor, who expressed his continued support for the new administration and hope for the community’s progress.