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Council accepts forfeited pickup for police use, updates lodging‑tax compliance policy and bylaws
Summary
Little Falls accepted title to a forfeited 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 for police towing use and authorized payment of $392.88 for transfer; the council also approved updated Policy 13 (bylaws) and amended Policy 47 to narrow compliance checks to lodging tax and allow up to 25% of the 5% administrative lodging fee for reviews.
The Little Falls City Council on June 1 voted to accept a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 obtained through administrative forfeiture for use by the police department to tow a firearms‑training trailer and approved payment of the $392.88 title‑transfer cost from the general fund.
Staff said a Morrison County Attorney forfeiture certificate authorized the transfer on April 20, 2026 and that the vehicle was forfeited following a criminal DWI proceeding that was not contested by the owner. Under the terms staff outlined, if the city later sells the vehicle the proceeds after expenses would be distributed 70% to the city and 30% to the Morrison County Attorney’s Office. The police described the truck as a non‑patrol vehicle that will reduce wear and tear on squad cars during training and target transport.
Council also approved amendments to Policy 13 (bylaws for authorities, boards, commissions and committees) after staff confirmed clarifying edits discussed in the prior meeting were incorporated.
On Policy 47, staff reported restaurant sales‑tax authority did not pass at the state level and recommended amending the policy to focus solely on lodging‑tax compliance checks. Staff proposed changing the fixed $1,000 authorization to allow appropriation of up to 25% of the 5% administrative fee from lodging receipts to fund compliance reviews; staff cited a vendor quote of $5,000 to review five restaurants and one lodging (one‑time sample quote) and said the change would scale with lodging tax receipts. Council approved the administrative amendments.
Council members asked about forfeiture details and long‑term tracking of proceeds; staff said the distribution instructions would be attached to the title to ensure future compliance if the vehicle is sold.
