Graceville public meetings in 2025
8 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Graceville City Council held its Truth in Taxation hearing and regular meeting, approving a 5% levy increase for 2026. The council also approved new ambulance billing rates, a building rent increase, and amendments to water, sewer, and storm water rates. Several reports and discussions covered topics like sidewalk snow removal, nuisance properties, a solar grant, and an energy audit.
- Levy raised 5% for 2026
- Ambulance billing rates updated effective January 1, 2026
- Building rent increased to $150.00 starting January 1, 2026
- Water rate stays $6.50 per thousand gallons; sewer $5.00 per thousand gallons; new storm water base rate $5.00 per service
- Resolution to assess unpaid utility bills passed unanimously
Meeting
The Graceville City Council approved a $149,827 quote for fire turnout and wildland gear, mostly covered by a FEMA grant, and decided to wait on replacing ambulance equipment costing over $70,000. They also discussed a stormwater grant, unsafe properties, and a new ordinance on sump pump discharge hoses.
- Approved $149,827 for fire gear from Ultimate Safety, funded largely by FEMA grant
- Deferred replacing LUCAS device and AED/BP/O2 monitor due to cost over $70,000
- Approved 3.2 off-sale licenses for Tri County Coop mini mart and Graceville Market
- Transferred $10,000 from General fund to Library fund
- Discussed new ordinance for sump pump discharge hoses causing sidewalk hazards
Meeting
The Graceville City Council approved the minutes, agenda, and bills, and discussed several reports. The main action was approving the FEMA bidding procedure for extra fire turnout gear. The council also discussed storm water planning, solar proposals, and a free electronics drop-off site.
- Approved FEMA grant procedure to bid extra turnout gear
- Gary Hoffman approved for a storage shed
- Discussed solar proposals for Community Building and Grace Village (9 companies)
- County offering free electronics pickup; council favors trailer drop-off site
- Grace Village: 3 rooms rented by Nov 1, one available
Meeting
The Graceville City Council certified the 2026 property tax levy at $285,000 (about a 3% increase) and approved the budget. They discussed raising water/sewer rates by $1.00 per thousand gallons and adding a $7.00 stormwater fee. The council also approved $20,000 in gambling funds for fire department turnout gear and discussed park equipment installation and drainage improvements.
- Certified 2026 levy at $285,000 (3% increase)
- Approved $20,000 in gambling funds for fire department turnout gear
- Discussed raising water/sewer rates by $1.00 per thousand gallons and adding a $7.00 stormwater fee
- Approved transfer of $10,000 from General Fund to Library Fund
- Discussed drainage tile project along alley easement east of E 3rd Street
Meeting
The Graceville City Council approved a change order for additional sidewalk and curb work on the Safe Routes to School project, and discussed storm water upgrades, a possible youth curfew, and a solar grant application. The council also approved a $1,000 equipment purchase for the fire department and a tree cost-share program for homeowners.
- Approved change order #1 for Safe Routes to School: add half block north of Flower Box, fix curb on 4th Street south of Fire Hall, repair ramp at W 2nd Street and Studdart Ave — cost $26,250
- Approved fire department equipment purchase for extrication — cost around $1,000
- Discussed replacing park wood chips with rubber material — cost around $17,000
- Approved tree cost-share program: city will pay up to $250 per lot to replace trees removed during sidewalk installation
- Discussed possible youth curfew after reports of teenagers out at 2 AM and recent thefts
Meeting
The Graceville City Council approved a resolution accepting a $423,584 grant for the Safe Routes to School phase one project and authorized $12,386.30 for park equipment. They also discussed a potential $120,000 fire department gear replacement pending a FEMA grant decision, and approved a $500 donation to the Big Stone animal shelter.
- Accepted $423,584 Safe Routes to School grant for phase one project
- Approved $12,386.30 purchase of Gametime play equipment for park
- Fire department requested $120,000 for replacement turn-out gear, pending FEMA grant decision
- Approved $500 donation to Big Stone animal shelter
- Placed full-page advertisement in Big Stone County visitor guide for Grace Village
Meeting
The Graceville City Council approved a low bid of $15,413.20 for roof repairs on city buildings, discussed ongoing nuisance property cleanup and sump pump enforcement, and considered a new park addition funded by Essentia Health. The council also noted a bid for Safe Routes to School Phase 1 came in higher than projected and is seeking additional state funding.
- Approved $15,413.20 low bid from Noble Roofing for roof repairs on city shop, storage shed, and three small shingle jobs
- Discussed nuisance property cleanup and potential grants from Big Stone County for homeowners
- Safe Routes to School Phase 1 bid came in higher than projected; seeking additional state funding
- Council discussed drafting an ordinance to address sump pump hose violations
- Approved $1,200 request from Prairie Waters for 2026
Meeting
The Graceville City Council approved the purchase of new firefighter turnout gear for about $140,000, funded from the equipment fund while seeking grants or low-interest loans. They also discussed changing the sump pump discharge ordinance to address water damage to streets and sidewalk trip hazards. Other actions included approving liquor licenses for three local bars, donating $900 for flag replacements, and authorizing several maintenance purchases.
- Approved $140,000 for new firefighter turnout gear to meet OSHA requirements
- Discussed amending sump pump discharge ordinance to prevent street damage and sidewalk hazards
- Approved liquor licenses for Headquarters Bar, Graceville Bar and Lounge, and Dons Alleys
- Donated $900 from gambling proceeds to the American Legion for flag replacement
- Approved $5,647 warranty plan for Case 120 tractor and $4,000 sanitary manhole rehabilitation on West St. Peter Ave