Ron Eischens News Today

The Bemidji City Council's meeting covered a wide range of topics on Monday, from increasing parking downtown to hearing from volunteers who have been helping residents of the Red Pine Estates.

The Bemidji City Council will discuss a request that would increase downtown parking spaces during its meeting tonight, alongside setting a date to hear public input on recent cannabis legislation.

In a discussion on the 2024 city budget, the Bemidji City Council debated what percent increase would be acceptable for the tax levy. Some supported single digits, others between 10 and 15%.

The first phase of the city’s 2024 budget process will begin during the Bemidji City Council meeting tonight, with a conversation on the financial management plan.

The Bemidji City Council approved a motion on Monday to require annexation if water and sewer services are extended to Northern Township, the most recent update to a months-long discussion.

Despite projections earlier in the year showing a deficit, the city of Bemidji completed 2022 with a surplus, as outlined in the annual financial review on Tuesday.

In its work session on Monday, the Bemidji City Council provided feedback on six proposed options for the future of city hall and the Bemidji Fire Station.

During the Bemidji City Council’s meeting on Monday, Dec. 5, a Truth in Taxation hearing was held as a part of the 2023 budget process and the council unanimously approved the display of three tribal flags in city hall.

The Bemidji City Council has approved a preliminary 5% increase to the city tax levy for 2023, though this number won’t be finalized until December.

In its work session on Monday, Aug. 8, the Bemidji City Council discussed the budget for 2023, and what percentage to increase the tax levy by in the face of inflation and other rising costs.