Council certifies delinquent assessments, approves claims and consent items

The Fergus Falls City Council on Nov. 17 approved its consent agenda, certified delinquent accounts for placement on next year's tax statements and approved claims totaling $1,480,137.27.

Consent and certification: Council approved a consent package that included minutes, licenses and project change orders, including Change Order No. 1 for PI 9776 (Ottertale Valley Rail Crossing) in the amount of $8,226.71, several street-lighting contracts, a limited-use permit with MnDOT for planters on Trunk Highway 210, and an encroachment agreement for 702 East Birch Avenue. Finance staff explained the annual certification process for delinquent accounts: amounts that meet the city's code threshold (accounts 45 days or older) are forwarded to Ottertale County to be added to next year's tax statements as liens; staff said payments received before the county transfer are removed from the certified list.

Totals discussed: During the discussion staff provided itemized figures for miscellaneous invoices and utilities and said the assessments total had dropped to about $65,389.24 after payments received prior to certification; council asked clarifying questions about collection and tax-forfeiture procedures.

Claims approval: The council approved a resolution to present claims for payment totaling $1,480,137.27 after finance staff fielded questions from council members.

Votes: The consent agenda and the delinquent accounts resolution were approved by roll call as read. The claims resolution was approved by roll call vote.

Next steps: The certified delinquent amounts will be forwarded to Ottertale County for inclusion on next year's tax statements; staff will continue to adjust the certified list as payments arrive before county transfer.