Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moorhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in taxes budget
PHA Five-Year Plan and policy amendments
The agency's 5-Year Plan amendment and occupancy policy changes shape how public housing residents are admitted, transferred, and served — directly affecting River View Heights households facing relocation.
Maple Court rents for 2027
A resolution was scheduled to set Maple Court rents for 2027, directly affecting what tenants at that property pay next year.
Special Assessments for Public Improvements
Property owners in various project areas will pay special assessments for construction improvements. Some owners filed written objections, and one resident raised quality-of-work concerns; the council ordered a review of assessments on four specific properties.
2025 Special Assessments for Unpaid Penalties and Abatements
If you owed the city money in 2025 — code enforcement fines, rental registration fees, inspection bills or Public Works charges — and didn't pay, that debt is now on your property taxes as a special assessment.
2026B Bond Sale
The council authorized the sale of General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2026B, to fund city projects — with a property tax levy backing repayment. Baker Tilly advisors presented the sale terms before the vote.
Agricultural Leases on City Land
The city will lease out tracts it owns for farming in 2027-2028, cutting maintenance costs and bringing in a little revenue.
Recording City Council Workshops
Workshops — where a lot of real deliberation happens — will now be recorded and available to the public. Two residents spoke up in favor during public comment.
Preliminary 2027 City Tax Levy
The EDA was scheduled to set the maximum 2027 property tax levy it can request — $822,286, up about 4% from 2026. The final levy comes later this year and could be lower.
CDBG 2025 plan amendment: $40K shifted from CCRI acquisition to blight removal
The city is redirecting $40,000 in federal grant money from helping CCRI buy land for a group home to tearing down blighted structures. CCRI agreed because it hasn't found a site, and HUD spending deadlines forced the move. Final council vote September 14.
Clay County HRA 2027 Special Benefit Tax
The council signed off on the county housing authority's 2027 special benefit tax, which helps fund affordable housing efforts in Clay County. HRA leaders walked the council through the program before the vote.
2027 Proposed Fee Schedule
The board was scheduled to act on the proposed 2027 fee schedule, which sets what residents pay for park facility rentals and recreation programs next year.
Infrastructure Grant Applications
The city got the green light to chase grants for public infrastructure improvements — free money opportunities for future projects.
2025 City Audit Results
The city's 2025 books got a completely clean audit — no findings on finances, federal money, or state legal compliance. Fund balance grew by about $2 million, which helps Moorhead's bond rating and its cushion for surprises.
CDBG 2026 Plan and PY 2024 Amendment
The council finalized CDBG changes: an $8,000 youth program run by the Afro American Development Association was cancelled because it was never implemented, and the money now goes to Parks and Rec scholarships for low- to moderate-income kids.
City Energy Efficiency Partnership with McKinstry
The council approved an investment grade audit and guaranteed energy savings agreement with McKinstry, aiming to cut energy costs in city buildings and chip away at deferred maintenance using guaranteed savings to pay for upgrades.
City Hall Renovation Bond Financing
The EDA got its first look at the $26 million bond sale to pay for the City Hall renovation — five floors of modern workspaces, new mechanical systems, a ground-floor council chambers, and a civic plaza. The EDA issues the bonds and the city repays them through a lease; ownership transfers back to the city once the bonds are paid off. The actual vote comes at the February 2 meeting.
Series 2026A Bond Financing
The city is backing a 20-year bond issue that Moorhead Public Service will help repay — $250,000 a year from MPS, with your property tax levy covering the rest of the debt service.