City of River Falls Common Council Meeting 11/10/26

The City of River Falls Common Council met on November 10, 2026. The council approved payment of bills totaling $3,827,210.28, subject to the controller’s review, and approved the 2027 operating budget ordinance. Staff described a projected 5.56% gross levy increase, with a 3% net levy increase after accounting for growth; the estimated tax-rate change was about 1.96%, or roughly $20–$25 annually for an average home. Staff also discussed planning for a possible increase to the vehicle registration fee (wheel tax) in 2028 to better align road-maintenance funding with expenditures. That future increase was not adopted at this meeting; staff anticipated a later council decision.

The council approved an amended fee schedule on the consent agenda. Staff explained that certain charges, including $26 special utility billing and meter-reading fees, are intended to recover reasonable service costs; equipment and labor rates were also adjusted, and engineering review fees apply to certain projects adding impervious surfaces. The council additionally approved a public participation plan for a forthcoming comprehensive-plan amendment concerning the city’s extraterritorial planning area. No contract award, vendor selection, or competitive solicitation was identified.