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Citizen Portal News Minnesota
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Rochester Public Schools is proposing bold budget changes that could reshape funding allocations and enhance support for schools in need—are you ready to find out how?

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#MN #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #EducationFunding #ResourceAllocation #MinnesotaPublicSchools
RPS finance staff propose balanced-budget changes, including a 20% compensatory set-aside and shifting counselors to flexible funding
Finance director outlined recommended balanced-budget-model enhancements for board review ahead of Dec. 16 action: reclassify certain discretionary allocations, move from 100% to 80% compensatory distribution to create a modest district set-aside for low-compensatory sites, and move school counselors into flexible funding.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 4:13 PM
The latest staffing report reveals intriguing shifts in Richfield's school district, with a notable drop in teacher roles but a surge in new hires boasting advanced degrees and increased diversity.

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#MN #CitizenPortal #StaffingAnalysis #MinnesotaEducation #RetentionStrategies
Richfield staffing snapshot: 672 staff (629 FTE); board presses HR on retention and diversity reporting
HR presented a point-in-time staffing report (Oct. 29, 2025) showing 672 total staff (629 FTE), 40 new teachers hired (70%+ with master's degrees), and a rise in multirace reporting; board members asked for retention/exit data and clarity on diversity trends.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Superintendent Pacquiao reveals promising gains in student performance and engagement as Rochester Public Schools gears up for the ambitious RPS 2030 plan!

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#MN #CitizenPortal #MinnesotaSchools #CommunityEngagement #EducationReform #StudentSuccess
Rochester Public Schools reviews 2022'2025 strategic plan as district plans RPS 2030
Superintendent presented outcomes from the 2022'2025 strategic plan including modest gains in early-grade math and larger gains in eighth-grade math, higher chronic attendance and a small graduation-rate increase, then outlined lessons and priorities to inform RPS 2030.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The Richfield School Board has officially certified a staggering $34.63 million levy for 2026, highlighting critical funding challenges that could impact local education.

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#MN #CitizenPortal #RichfieldSchools #TaxTransparency #EducationFunding #LocalGovAI
Richfield School Board certifies $34.63 million levy for taxes payable in 2026
After a Truth-in-Taxation presentation, the Richfield School Board voted to certify a final levy of $34,629,964.55 for taxes payable in 2026, citing state funding shortfalls and local revenue components that drive levy changes.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:40 PM
As Minnesota commissioners grapple with the complexities of statutory maximums and DWI-aligned changes, tensions rise over whether to guide or dictate legislative language.

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#MN #MinnesotaCommission #CitizenPortal #DWIRegulations #CriminalJustice #LegislativeReform
Commission debates whether to recommend specific statutory maximums and scope of DWI‑aligned changes
Commissioners at the Nov. 20 workshop expressed concern about recommending specific statutory maximums and questioned staff drafting of extensive DWI‑style statutory language for criminal vehicular offenses; several members urged flagging examples (e.g., conditional release) and advising the legislature to review rather than prescribing exact statutory text.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:20 PM
The Sentencing Guidelines Commission is shaking up the legal landscape with a new severity-9 assault offense and proposed adjustments that could save over 800 prison beds — but what does it mean for justice in Minnesota?

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#MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MinnesotaSentencing
Sentencing Guidelines Commission previews legislative package; staff projects net 834 prison‑bed savings
At a Nov. 20, 2025 workshop, the Sentencing Guidelines Commission reviewed draft legislative recommendations including a new severity‑9 assault offense and changes to assault and vehicular‑offense rankings; staff said adopting all proposals would reduce previously estimated bed savings from about 875 to roughly 834 beds. No formal action was taken on the recommendations.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Stearns County is gearing up for a groundbreaking Justice Center project, with bids set to be advertised next week—could this be the start of a transformative era for the community?

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #CommunityDevelopment
Stearns County board approves bid advertising and permit submissions for Justice Center project
The board approved county staff requests to advertise bids for the Justice Center and to submit building, plumbing and related permit applications to state and city plan reviewers, contingent on parcel closings and Saint Cloud annexation. Staff estimated plan review fees would not exceed $400,000 and outlined a Dec. 15 bid advert and 60‑day hold.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Stearns County commissioners are raising alarms over potential $10 million tax levies by the airport authority, sparking a heated debate on the need for county representation and transparency.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #AirportAuthorityReform
Stearns County commissioners press for levy limits, county representation on regional airport authority
Commissioners debated ways to limit a proposed airport authority tax levy and whether Stearns County should have elected representation on the airport authority's governing body. They discussed an MOU or nonvoting liaison as near‑term options and noted that adding voting county officials would require reopening the authority's enabling resolution.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Exciting news for St. Louis Park! The Beltline Station affordable housing project is set to break ground soon, providing 82 much-needed units for low-income families.

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#LouisParkHennepinCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #EconomicInvestment #StLouisParkHousing #CommunityDevelopment
Council approves Beltline Station affordable-housing bonds and related contract amendments
Council approved issuance of housing bonds and related contract amendments for the 82-unit Beltline Station affordable housing project, with staff noting no new city cost and an anticipated construction start in January 2026 after financing closes.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:44 AM
St. Louis Park residents are raising alarms over rising property taxes, prompting the council to consider a $500,000 reduction in the HRA levy ahead of the crucial Dec. 15 budget vote.

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#LouisParkHennepinCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #TaxReform #AffordableHousing #CommunityBudgeting
St. Louis Park budget presentation draws resident concern; council asks staff to prepare $500,000 HRA-levy reduction for Dec. 15
At a required truth-in-taxation public hearing, Finance Director Amelia Kruger outlined the 2026 budget and levy adjustments, council heard multiple residents cite steep property-tax increases, and members directed staff to prepare an amendment reducing the HRA levy by $500,000 for the Dec. 15 adoption.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Goodhue County is transferring its veteran ride program to the Disabled American Veterans, impacting hundreds of local heroes—what does this mean for their transportation needs?

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#GoodhueCounty #MN #VeteranSupport #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #TransportationAccess
Goodhue County to transfer veteran ride program to DAV; transition dates set
The board approved transferring the county-run veteran ride program to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), instructing staff to stop accepting new rides after Dec. 1 and to cease providing rides after Jan. 1; the county noted it served 149 unique veterans (about 600–700 rides) last year and will provide handoffs and contact lists to veterans.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Minneapolis is taking a major step forward in the fight against human trafficking with a new $500,000 contract for vital support services at the upcoming Community Safety Center.

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#MinneapolisCityHennepinCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SurvivorSupport
Committee authorizes $500,000 contract for human‑trafficking services at South Minneapolis safety center
The committee authorized a not‑to‑exceed $500,000 contract with the Link to provide prevention, survivor support and training tied to the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center, with services to begin when the center opens in 2026. Staff said the funding comes from the public safety aid pilots.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Minneapolis' Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee just approved vital contracts for public safety and human trafficking prevention, along with a groundbreaking payroll ordinance that recognizes Juneteenth!

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#MinneapolisCityHennepinCounty #MN #CitizenPortal
Committee approves payroll ordinance, appointments and several contracts; NDA policy referred back to staff
The Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee on Dec. 1 approved a payroll ordinance, reappointed a civil service commissioner, passed a set of consent items and approved contracts for human‑trafficking services and a new 3‑1‑1 CRM. A proposed delegation on nondisclosure agreements for large events was referred back to staff after divided votes.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Dairyland Power and Gridliance are set to transform the energy landscape with a groundbreaking double-circuit transmission project that promises to meet future demand while minimizing land use.

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#HoustonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #EnergyInnovation
Dairyland and Gridliance outline Marybelle transmission upgrade, pledge landowner outreach in Houston County
Dairyland Power Cooperative and Gridliance Heartland presented a proposed double-circuit transmission rebuild following the existing 161 kV corridor through southern Houston County, described the permitting timeline and easement process, and committed to further local open houses and parcel-level mapping in January.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 11:25 AM
The future of the Whitewater Joint Powers Board hangs in the balance as Olmsted County pulls crucial funding, prompting a call for partner counties to vote on termination.

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#WinonaCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #WatershedManagement #CommunityResilience
Whitewater Joint Powers Board recommends partners consider termination after Olmsted County withdraws funding
Board members agreed to send a recommended termination resolution to partner county and SWCD boards after Olmsted County declined to include Whitewater funding in its 2026 budget; the meeting also approved audit engagement, property disposition and cost‑share payments while outlining a transition plan.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 8:03 AM
The Faribault Public School District has officially approved a property tax levy of over $12 million, but not without heated discussions on its impact on residents, especially those on fixed incomes.

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#MN #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #CommunityBudgeting #FaribaultSchools
Faribault board approves 2025 payable 2026 property tax levy after public hearing
After a Truth in Taxation hearing Dec. 1, the Faribault Public School District board approved the 2025 payable 2026 levy certification of $12,064,410.59. Finance staff said the total levy is down 2.22% from 2025, though some homeowners reported larger increases and one director abstained.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 7:25 AM
International Falls is facing a $4.98 million preliminary levy for 2026, sparking debates over budget priorities, employee raises, and tax impacts on residents.

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#InternationalFallsCityKoochiching #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FiscalTransparency #CommunityInvolvement
International Falls presents $4.98 million preliminary levy; council to revisit before Dec. 15 certification
City finance officer Emma Rudd presented a proposed $4,978,484 preliminary levy for 2026, citing reserve replenishment, an ambulance fund levy and inflation-driven cost increases. Council and residents questioned staff raises and distribution of administrative costs; no final vote was taken.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 6:43 AM
The Valley View indoor environmental quality project is not only under budget but also set for crucial next steps as the board prepares to review bid awards on December 9!

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#MN #CitizenPortal #MinnesotaDistricts #BondFinancing #ConstructionBudget #EnvironmentalQuality
Valley View IEQ project: district finance director reports bids under budget, board to consider award Dec. 9
Director of finance Bridal Finneken presented Valley View indoor-environment project bid results: apparent low bids by trade were listed, total project estimate about $18.06 million and roughly $160,614 under the preliminary budget; the board will see a recommendation and bond-sale resolution at the Dec. 9 meeting.
citizenportal.ai
December 1, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The runway extension at Lakeville Airport is stalled due to ongoing disagreements with the FAA, but the MAC is pushing forward with a new roadway project set for next year!

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#LakevilleCityDakotaCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #TransportationImprovements #LakevilleCity
FAA delays hold up runway extension; MAC will fund roadway paving next year
MAC and airport staff told the AAALAC on Nov. 20 that environmental review disagreements with the FAA are delaying a planned runway extension, and the MAC will fully fund a separate roadway paving project targeted for next year while exploring interim airfield improvements.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 11:19 PM