With all members of the Big Lake City Council present Wed., Dec. 10, the final 2026 Property Tax Levy was approved. Finance Director Deb Wegeleben presented a breakdown of the levy totaling $6,311,469, an increase of 7.22%.

The levy was voted on in four separate resolutions. Council Member Ken Halvorson was the only council member to vote no on the first three measures to approve the final levy for the city of Big Lake and the Big Lake Economic Development Authority (BLEDA), and a resolution to approve all city budgets, the city pay plan, and job descriptions.  A motion to approve the Joint Fire Protection Agreement (JPA) Budget and pay plan was passed unanimously.

Big Lake Food Shelf

Big Lake Food Shelf President Tom Pietrzak spoke during Open Forum. He began by thanking the city for its partnership, the food shelf has been in the city office building since March 1996 and then continued to ask for the city’s assistance in relocating. The food shelf has received notice from the city to vacate its current location by May 1, 2027, due to the planned City Hall relocation project.

Pietrzak cited the growing need within the community. 

“We now serve over 1,000 families each month, plus an additional 250 families monthly through mass distributions. The scope of our work is significant: In 2024 alone, we distributed an astounding 933,000 pounds of food to our neighbors in need.”

He concluded by asking for continued support from the city. 

“We want to find a sustainable, long-term option to continue this vital service. We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about how we can move forward with exploring the 790 Minnesota Ave. property, or any other viable city options.”

Notes

Jake Geroux and Alan Heidemann were appointed to the Big Lake Planning Commission with a 3-1-1 vote. Halvorson voted nay and Council Member Geroux abstained.

A public hearing was held prior to the council’s adoption of the 2026 City Fee Schedule.

Within the consent agenda, three items stood out. Megan Weber and Kameron Hanson were appointed to the Big Lake Parks Advisory Committee with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2028.

The replacement of BLFD Grass Truck #16 was approved. The new vehicle has a price tag of $94,256.51. The cost will be split between the city and Big Lake Township.

Lastly, the city recognized the service of Dustin Wiebold. Wiebold was initially appointed to the Planning Commission in September 2022 and has served as Planning Commissioner in the years since.