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Preliminary budget review focuses on permit fees, police requests and a contentious pool debate
Summary
City staff presented the preliminary 2025 budget with department highlights: finance cuts, building-permit rate comparisons and recommended fee adjustments, police capital and wage pressures, a $75,000 city-hall security request, and an extended debate over whether to continue operating the aging municipal pool or pursue demolition, bonding or partnerships.
City staff presented a preliminary 2025 budget that prompted extended discussion about permit fees, police capital needs and the future of the municipal pool.
Jeff (city administration) opened with a high-level cover sheet showing major year-to-year changes and reminded the council that preliminary numbers must be submitted to the county by the end of the month before final adjustments are made. He said finance department line items show an overall reduction of about 14 percent driven largely by lower anticipated outside-audit costs.
On building and permit revenue, staff relayed an analysis from the building official showing Crookston’s current permit rates are noticeably lower than several peers; staff recommended aligning parts of the fee schedule with the lower denominators among comparable cities to reduce the subsidy needed to operate the building department without imposing a stifling increase. Council members asked staff to return with…
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