by April Scheinoha
Editor
Prepare for increases in stormwater utility rates in 2026, 2027 and 2028. At its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 19, the Thief River Falls City Council approved increasing the rates each year by $0.50 per month for residential properties and $1.00 per acre per month for apartment buildings and commercial properties. The rates will change Jan. 1 of each year.
Currently, the residential rates are $7 per month for residences. For apartment buildings and commercial properties, the current rate is $16.50 per acre per month times 2.5 times the impervious area, or $16.50 per acre per month times 1.5 times the entire area of the property if the rate had previously been calculated with that method.
Public Works Director Travis Giffen said the stormwater utility fund helps fund emergency storm repairs and some bigger projects like the Chief’s Coulee project. He said, with the increases, the City of Thief River Falls will still have rates below those assessed by other communities surveyed.
City Council approved having HDR complete three studies requested by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. at a cost of $62,000. The studies relate to the city’s relicensure of the dam. The DNR has requested an upstream fish passage feasibility study, a fish passage protection measures feasibility study and a recreation enhancement study.
The city is currently in the process of relicensing the dam. As part of that process, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seeks public comment. The DNR then requested the studies. The city could decline seeking the studies. However, according to Nate Dalager with HDR, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could later ask why the city didn’t complete the studies. If that were to occur, those studies would cost even more money and time than if they were to occur now.
Elizabeth Wilde, executive director, presented Visit Thief River Falls’ revised budget to the council. Wilde said the budget needed to be revised to account for a decrease in lodging tax revenue and an increase in professional services.
Thief River Falls has a 3% lodging tax. Of the amount accrued each year, the city keeps 5% for administrative fees while Visit Thief River Falls receives the remainder. Visit Thief River Falls has now projected a gross lodging tax of $135,000 in 2025, a $10,000 decrease from its original projection.
Wilde said there has been a significant decrease in tourism nationally, statewide and locally. She added that industry experts attribute this decrease to growing geographical tensions and strained international relations, particularly with Canada. Canadians have been strong contributors to the tourism economy in Thief River Falls.
In addition, Visit Thief River Falls revised its 2025 budget to account for increased costs related to the need to hire a new accounting firm.
The council approved removing and replacing sidewalks in front of the Fire Hall and Falls Liquor. Giffen said both sidewalks are tripping hazards. The council accepted a quote from Fynboh Construction of $19.50 per square foot. It is estimated the replacement will cost $6,825 for the sidewalk outside of the Fire Hall and $1,560 for the sidewalk outside of Falls Liquor.
City Council approved having Revolt Electrical Services test the breakers and relays at the Power Plant. Testing is estimated to cost $15,892. Such maintenance is supposed to occur every five years. The breakers and relays were last tested in 2019.
Mayor Mike Lorenson spoke about the “First on 1st” event, which was held Thursday, Aug. 14. “I thought the turnout was spectacular,” said Lorenson, who noted that 115 ice cream sandwiches were served after attendees walked, biked or rolled down the recently completed First Street and its affiliated sidewalk and multi-use trail.
The next council meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.