Adam Leiphon came before the Devils Lake City Commissioners at the Monday, Dec. 1 meeting to explain a recent request for a reduction in money owed to the city in lieu of taxes (POLOT) to be paid by the Ramsey County Housing Authority.
Leiphon has served on the Authority’s board since he had been a county commissioner in year’s past, he explained.
The amount submitted in payment to the County was half of the amount owed according to the agreement. Leiphon explained the difficulties the authority was having meeting the promised $9,000 expected.
It was his hope, and that of the members of the Authority that the City would look at the Century Code and find a way to reduce the amount owed, therefore they’d made the check out for half what was expected hoping that would suffice.
The commissioners, beginning with Mayor Jim Moe, questioned the action and stated that the better move would have been to work with the City through the budgeting process and perhaps they could come to an understanding or agreement that would benefit both parties. Reducing the amount paid without discussing it first with the Commission would not be appropriate, especially since that money had already figured in the 2025 budget as income. Moe suggested that they begin that process now for the next budgeting period if they wanted to see a change happen in the contribution.
Leiphon admitted that he believes they do need to contribute something to the city, after all they depend on services the city provides to the approximately 95 units the Housing Authority maintains in Ramsey County. They additionally provide 100 plus vouchers for the five counties surrounding and including Devils Lake.
Leiphon was in favor of that recommendation going forward, citing the Century Code and the word “may” being used to refer to the levying of this amount annually. “You aren’t required to do this, it doesn’t say “must” or “will” but “may”. Since we are so close to the end of the fiscal year, seemed to be a concensus of the commission that the full amount would be required this year, however, negotiations should begin now for any change they would like to see for the 2026/27 budgeting process. Leiphon was in agreement with that recomendation.
In other business before the City at this meeting, each commissioner asked the representatives of their portfolios for a report. Commissioner Pierce reported that at the next meeting of the LEC Board they would be starting negotiations for the proposed LEC location. He also informed the City that Devils Lake has been ranked one of the best spots in the U.S. for Ice Fishing and congratulated all who were involved in that annoouncement.
The mayor informed Pierce that his concern about the speaker system in downtown Devils Lake has been fixed by Jeremy Eizenzimmer at a minimal cost to the city.
There is an opening in the municipal court system and at the next meeting they will discuss the comprehensive capitol plan and the Police Department relocation including costs and scope.
Mike Grafsgaard reported the city had purchased 38 new Christmas Decorations for the city and discussed the need for repairs to outlets for some of those decorations to light up. He also talked about shutting down lift stations and other prepping for winter.
There were five first readings of various ordinances having to do with the franchise agreement with NDTC.
A sale of a lot in the Roundhouse Subdivision.
A bill submitted for various mill and overlays done this year.
Pay estimate for the city project – alleys and parking lots.
Two street improvement districts were created.
All bills were submitted for payment.
