Northfield City Council Work Session - July 14, 2026

The Northfield City Council held a work session on July 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, following a special meeting. Mayor Erica Zweifel called the meeting to order at 6:16 PM. Six council members were present; Jessica Peterson White was absent. The agenda covered broadband franchising, the 2027 Northfield Area Fire & Rescue Service budget, 2027 fee schedule changes, and the 2027-2028 budget work session. The meeting was extended and adjourned at 9:10 PM, both by unanimous 6-0 votes.

Broadband Franchising

• City Administrator Ben Martig presented broadband franchising as a potential alternative revenue source. Michael Bradley of Bradley Werner, LLC provided an overview of broadband franchising and discussed potential benefits for the city and residents. IT Manager Kurt Wolf shared information on currently available broadband services. Council members discussed and gave feedback; no formal action was taken.

2027 Northfield Area Fire & Rescue Service (NAFRS) Budget

• Fire Chief Tom Nelson presented the proposed 2027 NAFRS budget, highlighting historical data and revenue sources such as permitting and inspections. Martig added context. Council reviewed the budget; no vote was taken at the work session.

Fee Schedule Changes Effective January 1, 2027

• City Clerk Lynette Peterson presented proposed updates to the 2027 fee schedule. Public Works Director David Bennett and Community Development Director Scott Wopata answered questions about the proposed increases. The fee schedule will be brought back to the Council for review and approval at the September 22, 2026 meeting.

2027-2028 Budget Work Session

• Ben Martig overviewed the 2027 budget development process, including the budget calendar and public engagement opportunities. He reviewed prior Council direction on utility rates, composting, Meadows Park, Hauberg Woods conversion, Lincoln Parkway, Riverwall Flood Project, East Riverwalk stair repairs, compost site relocation, and the northwest sewer collector line. Alternative revenue sources discussed included broadband franchise fees, park dedication fees, police administrative citations, and a local sales tax.
• A preliminary property tax levy increase of 6.8% was presented, driven primarily by General Fund, Debt Service, Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC), and Communications levies, accounting for approximately 85% of the increase. Budget assumptions included non-discretionary costs, discretionary expenditures, and anticipated savings.
• Staffing requests for future consideration included a Public Works Mechanic, two Streets and Parks Operators, a Police Lieutenant, and one full-time administrative position proposed for 2028. An Ice Arena project update and estimated tax impacts were also reviewed. Council provided feedback on priorities.

Key Outcomes

• The council voted unanimously (6-0) to extend the meeting until business was complete.
• The council voted unanimously (6-0) to adjourn at 9:10 PM.
• The 2027 fee schedule will be presented for approval at the September 22, 2026 meeting.
• Budget discussions will continue, with public engagement opportunities to be scheduled.