Pelican Rapids council adopts 2026 budgets with 5.65% levy increase after hearing

Pelican Rapids Mayor Brent Frasier announced the council’s adoption of the 2026 final budgets following a Truth in Taxation public hearing on Dec. 9, 2025. The city approved a general budget that reflects a 5.65% levy increase and separate final approvals for the sewer and water budgets.

Danielle, city staff, told the council the general budget includes two targeted increases to legal expenses—adding $5,000 to prosecuting fees and increasing a related legal line from $18,000 to $23,000—and the removal of $55,000 from a special levy payment that was deferred to 2027. "We added 5,000 to prosecuting fees because we have gone over what we had budgeted," Danielle said, and noted the restructuring pushed a $65,000 bond payment into 2027, allowing the reduction.

On the sewer budget, staff added a $12,000 lagoon fence repair that resulted from a recent inspection; to cover the cost, the proposed lab-upgrade line was reduced from $20,000 to $8,000, keeping the overall sewer total unchanged. Daniel reported no substantive changes to the water budget.

Council members said they expect more detailed public hearings in spring 2026 when final state numbers arrive and special-assessment figures for a roadway project are finalized. Danielle and Lance told the council a public special-assessment hearing will be scheduled in spring 2026.

The council approved the 2026 final general budget, the 2026 final sewer budget and the 2026 final water budget by voice votes in the regular meeting after the public hearing concluded. The hearing was described as discussion-only; no motions were taken during the hearing itself.

The council plans additional outreach and a separate special-assessment hearing next spring when state figures are confirmed.