Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moorhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.