# City Council Meeting 10-27-2026


**Body:** City of Brookings
**Date:** October 26, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Transportation, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding


The City of Brookings City Council meeting on October 27, 2026 included the first reading of Ordinance 26-030, the 2027 appropriations ordinance, proposing a balanced budget of $77,376,579, up 6.7% from 2026, primarily due to capital and infrastructure projects. Highlighted investments included the 22nd Avenue Phase 3 project, storm drainage improvements, downtown grants, Fifth Street gym improvements, the Lions Park playground, a fire department platform truck, and police facility financing. The budget adds no general-fund employees and is scheduled for a second reading on November 10. Council also approved Ordinance 26-035, authorizing up to approximately $193,000 from existing 3B tax fund reserves for the Dakota Bank Center’s projected year-end operating variance; transfers will be limited to what is needed.

Council approved a one-year renewable lease for University of Northwestern St. Paul radio equipment at 210 Front Street for $325 per month plus $85 per month for utilities, with both charges increasing 3.5% annually. It also approved a resolution authorizing a fully reimbursed South Dakota firefighter PPE grant and corresponding equipment expenditures; the grant amount was unclear in the transcript. Council approved transferring approximately 29.12 acres to the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance for resale to Menard, Inc. for a planned 200,000-square-foot store. The city estimated a sale of about 27.12 developable acres at $4.50 per square foot, with final acreage and terms subject to survey and site planning. Menards has also requested tax increment financing, and rezoning and other public hearings are anticipated in 2027. No contracts or change orders were presented; a progress report noted that a bid had been awarded for a new snow removal equipment building at the Brookings Regional Airport.

**Source:** City of Brookings