City of River Falls Common Council Meeting 10/27/26

The City of River Falls Common Council met on October 27, 2026. It approved bills totaling $1,349,341.37 and adopted a resolution authorizing special-assessment powers for the Business Improvement District. The council also approved the 2027 health and dental insurance renewal, a yard-waste-site grinding services contract, and the 2027 shared-ride taxi operating and capital grant application. Staff described the taxi program as using state and federal funds for operations and approximately 80% of vehicle capital costs, with the city covering the remaining capital share and subsidizing operations; the city contracts with Running Inc. to operate the service. Council members supported holding a 2027 workshop to examine service options and contracting practices, including employee compensation considerations.

The council held the first reading of the 2027 budget ordinance but took no action. The proposed budget totals $70,517,996, with a tax levy of $8,950,151; staff reported no broad fee increases for 2027 and discussed a possible vehicle-registration fee increase from $10 to $20 in 2028. The council also approved a resolution supporting termination of the city’s agreement with Flock Safety; the administrator clarified that staff’s recommendation was based on contract-compliance concerns in the memorandum, not a finding of constitutional violations. Public comments raised concerns about data-center impacts, local utility and sewer infrastructure, housing assistance, and other community needs, but no related procurement decisions were made.