Rolla council approves 2025 transfers and budget amendments, 10% daycare rent increase and water filter purchase

The Rolla City Council on Jan. 21 approved a package of financial moves and routine actions that reshuffle city funds, raise two lease rates, and authorize a major water-treatment purchase.

Mayor Kevin Juntunen opened the meeting and highlighted new business openings and grant opportunities, and reminded residents that pet licensing is due Jan. 31 and that the North Dakota Primary Residence Credit application window is open through April 1, 2026 (up to $1,600). Council then moved through consent items and routine bills.

The council voted to approve recommended 2025 fund transfers and budget amendments intended to realign contingency and capital accounts. The transfer package reallocated contingency funds to several priorities, including a $333,000 transfer from Contingency (Fund 230) to the Street Fund (201) and multiple transfers into water-improvement and debt service accounts. Council also adopted budget amendments adjusting several funds to reflect updated actual expenditures. The motions on transfers and budget amendments passed unanimously.

On a recommendation from the Administrative Committee, the council approved a 10% rent increase for Rolla Community Daycare and for Nutrition United, Inc., effective May 1, 2026. Councilperson Alex Albert moved the motion, Councilperson Willie Fritz seconded; Councilpersons Willie Fritz, Damond Schemmel and Alex Albert voted yes and Councilperson Paul Frydenlund abstained. The motion carried.

Public Works presented a recommendation to purchase the next batch of water-treatment filter media from Filtronics, Inc. at approximately $60,000. The council approved the purchase unanimously; staff noted the product has a long lead time (about eight months). Public Works also reported a leak in the GSR tank on the west side of the water treatment plant and discussed upcoming dump truck updates.

Other actions taken included: - Adoption of Rolette CountyLocal Emergency Operations Plan (unanimous). - Designation of Starion Bank and Dacotah Bank as the city's depositories pursuant to NDCC 21-04-05 (unanimous). - Approval of Kalix building permit conditioned on receipt of an $803 payment (unanimous). - Approval of revised Ordinance 19-02-070 (unanimous) and approval of the first reading of Ordinance 503 (amendments to Chapter 13.51.080(3)-(6)) (unanimous). - Approval of a Municipal Judge salary increase to $172 per month; Councilpersons Willie Fritz, Damond Schemmel and Paul Frydenlund voted yes, and Councilperson Alex Albert abstained; the motion carried. - Notice that Dakota Law Group will not take the city's case and returned a $2,500 deposit; no council action was required.

Votes at a glance - Agenda approval (addition of Grants to New Business): motion by Councilperson Willie Fritz; second by Councilperson Damond Schemmel. Outcome: unanimous. - Consent agenda (minutes, committee minutes, financial report): motion by Councilperson Alex Albert; second by Councilperson Willie Fritz. Outcome: unanimous. - Approve bills as funds become available: motion by Councilperson Willie Fritz; second by Councilperson Alex Albert. Outcome: unanimous. - Increase Rolla Community Daycare and Nutrition United, Inc. leases by 10% starting May 1, 2026: motion by Councilperson Alex Albert; second by Councilperson Willie Fritz. Outcome: Fritz, Schemmel, Albert voted yes; Frydenlund abstained; motion carried. - 2025 transfers (multiple fund transfers including $333,000 to Street Fund): motion by Councilperson Alex Albert; second by Councilperson Damond Schemmel. Outcome: unanimous. - 2025 budget amendments: motion by Councilperson Alex Albert; second by Councilperson Damond Schemmel. Outcome: unanimous. - Purchase filter media from Filtronics, Inc. (~$60,000): motion by Councilperson Damond Schemmel; second by Councilperson Alex Albert. Outcome: unanimous. - Adopt Rolette County Local Emergency Operations Plan: motion by Councilperson Damond Schemmel; second by Councilperson Willie Fritz. Outcome: unanimous. - Designate Starion Bank and Dacotah Bank as depositories (NDCC 21-04-05): motion by Councilperson Alex Albert; second by Councilperson Willie Fritz. Outcome: unanimous. - Kalix building permit (upon $803 payment): motion by Councilperson Alex Albert; second by Councilperson Damond Schemmel. Outcome: unanimous. - Approve revised Ordinance 19-02-070: motion by Councilperson Willie Fritz; second by Councilperson Damond Schemmel. Outcome: unanimous. - First reading of Ordinance 503: motion by Councilperson Damond Schemmel; second by Councilperson Willie Fritz. Outcome: unanimous. - Municipal Judge salary increase to $172/month: motion by Councilperson Damond Schemmel; second by Councilperson Willie Fritz. Outcome: Fritz, Schemmel, Frydenlund voted yes; Albert abstained; motion carried.

What happens next City Attorney Rachael Mickelson and City Auditor Tara McDougall will draft a local ordinance related to Senate Bill 2027 (floodplain management) for consideration at a future meeting. The council adjourned at 7:13 p.m.

Sources: Rolla City Council official meeting minutes, Jan. 21, 2026 (motions and roll-call votes as recorded).