The Big Lake City Council took a moment during their regular council meeting on Nov. 25, 2025, to honor BLPD Officer Sam Norlin. With his wife and fellow members of the BLPD present, Police Chief John Kaczmarek presented Norlin with the Life Saving Award.
Kaczmarek explained some of the details. This summer Norlin responded to a medical call. An individual reported having trouble breathing and became unconscious. Upon arrival, Norlin determined the patient was unresponsive, not breathing, and did not have a pulse. He immediately began CPR. With the assistance of another responding officer, life-saving efforts were administered that included the use of an AED and bag valve mask to provide rescue breaths for approximately five minutes until the patient began to breathe on their own and regain consciousness. The patient was stabilized until EMS personnel arrived to transport them to the hospital.
2026 Budget Levy
Finance Director Deb Wegeleben presented information about the 2026 City Budget and Levy to complete the council’s annual budget hearing (Truth in Taxation). Before setting the final levy amount, the city has determined that its expenditures will be $7,791,754. The total levy amount to be received in 2026 will be $6,311,469, an increase of 7.22% over last year. Wegeleben did share that the average levy increase across the state was 8.71%.
Wegeleben provided a breakdown of Big Lake resident’s property taxes. For every dollar of taxes paid, .30 will be paid to Sherburne County, .32 to Big Lake, and .38 to Big Lake Schools. 67% of the funds needed to balance the 2026 Budget will come from property taxes. Other sources of revenue include the municipal liquor store, State and Federal aid and grants, licenses and fees, charges for services and investments.
A breakdown of expenses shows that 48% goes toward Public Safety, which includes Police, Fire, and Building Dept. Wegeleben highlighted three other areas: Public Works 15%, Culture (Parks and the Library) 11%, and Transfers to Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) 8% or approximately $635,000 that the council has set aside for future projects.
Consent Agenda
Notable items approved on the Consent Agenda concerned grants for the city. Item 6E approves that the Community and Economic Development Association begin creating a Grant Research and Project Readiness Assessment for Big Lake and its Park Improvement Plan.
Item 7E approves the receipt of $800 from the Minnesota Chief’s of Police Community Partnerships Grant Program. The grant will help pay for BLPD community events initiatives.
Other News
Streets, Parks, and Fleet Superintendent Norm Michels shared that a survey for Mitchell Farms Park is currently underway until Jan. 6, 2026. Information about the survey will be in residents’ upcoming water bills. If one is interested in participating in the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HMTD8R.
Michels also gave a shout-out to Joe Brenteson, who recently retired after 10 years of service.
Registration for the Big Lake Holiday lighting contest must be completed by Dec. 8, and residents can begin to vote on the winners beginning on Dec. 9-14. More information can be found on the city’s website.
A liquor license was approved for the Thirsty Bison effective Dec. 1, 2025.
