City Council Meeting for January 5, 2026

The City Council of International Falls, Minnesota, held its first regular meeting of 2026 on January 5th. Key procurement and contracting discussions included a proposed 20-year lease agreement with Cuching County for shared use of a law enforcement center, with an annual lease amount of $50,000 and shared refurbishment costs estimated at $160,000. The council agreed to review the lease details further in a committee meeting. Budgetary matters featured approval of payments and claims totaling over $1 million, authorization of wage increases for non-union salaried employees at 3%, and adoption of resolutions delegating electronic fund transfer authority. Additionally, the council approved acceptance of a state grant to support the operating deficit of the local ambulance service, highlighting challenges faced by rural emergency medical services. Other business included appointments to various city committees and approval of travel and training expenses for city officials.