MOORHEAD CITY COUNCIL Archives

Testy exchange at Moorhead City Council over the mayor’s choice for mayor pro tem

January 12, 2026

TJ Nelson,

Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, Council Member Deb White and Council Member Lisa BorgenMOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — A simple motion to appoint Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson to several area boards including Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was derailed by a dispute over the mayor pro tem. Carlson announced that she was appointing Council Member Lisa Borgen to the role. The…

Moorhead City Council member considers candidacy for mayor

December 26, 2025

KVRR Staff,

Lisa BorgenMOORHEAD (KVRR-KFGO) – A member of the Moorhead City Council is considering a run for mayor. Lisa Borgen says she will make an announcement in January. Borgen represents Ward 3 and was elected to the council with 61% of the vote last year. Her four-year term expires in 2028. Borgen is a Moorhead native and graduate of Moorhead High…

Moorhead City Council approves 2026 budget, including more firefighters

December 9, 2025

KVRR Staff,

Moorhead City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.MOORHEAD (KVRR-KFGO) – The Moorhead City Council unanimously approved the 2026 tax levy budget and capital improvement plan. Finance Director Jenica Flanagan says budget priorities included wages and benefits, wastewater utility improvements, community and economic development, and public safety staffing. The estimated tax rate increase of 3.89% was approved. Flanagan says a…

Moorhead City Council Introducing Resolution To Support Somalis

Moorhead City Council passes resolution supporting immigrant and refugee communities

The possible passage of the resolution comes on the heels of Mayor Shelly Carlson making a public proclamation in support of the immigrant community.

December 8, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – Tensions over the mere presence of Somalians in the United States are still elevated following Trump’s lambasting of the group and subsequent measures by ICE to crack down on the population. A Cinnabon employee in Wisconsin was fired after directing a racist rant at a customer they believed to be Somali, while video from the Twin…

Tense moments during preliminary budget talks at Moorhead City Council

September 22, 2025

TJ Nelson,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Tensions ran high during discussions about the preliminary budget and the hiring of additional firefighters at Moorhead City Council. After two hours of back and forth, the council voted 6-2 for what they are calling budget proposal levy scenario 3. It would cap a raise of Moorhead property taxes by 5.58% while council members and city…

Option agreement for DG Fuels Plant land approved by Moorhead City Council

September 9, 2025

TJ Nelson,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Moorhead is moving forward with the process of bringing a $5 billion low-carbon aviation fuel production facility to town. DG Fuels is going through the red-tape including dealing with the Department of Energy and seeking site control. An option agreement will allow them to continue the application process. Last night, council members voted unanimously to approve…

Moorhead City Council votes to lift pause on policy on aerial spraying for mosquitoes

August 25, 2025

TJ Nelson,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Moorhead is unpausing its pause on its policy for aerial spraying for mosquitoes. The vote was unanimous. The policy allows aerial spraying if West Nile virus is detected. It has been in Cass County but not in Clay County. If aerial spraying is approved, it also requires a lower concentration of the pesticide used to kill…

Former State Rep. and Moorhead City Council Member Dead at 87

August 10, 2025

TJ Nelson,

Diane Wray Williams (2010)MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — The first woman to represent Moorhead in the Minnesota House of Representatives has died. Diane Wray Williams died July 31 at 87 after an eight month battle with cancer. She was a businesswoman, educator and politician. Williams ran as a Democrat and served in the state house in 1989 and 1990. Williams also…

White Earth Nation Presents Casino & Resort Plans To Moorhead City Council

April 28, 2025

TJ Nelson,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — White Earth Nation makes a presentation to Moorhead City Council about its plans for a plot of land the tribe purchased just east of the city. Initial plans include a full-scale casino, luxury resort with 200 rooms, dining, convention center, parking garage and a convenience store. They expect to create 500 jobs. White Earth Nation is…

Moorhead’s Next Police Chief, Chris Helmick, Approved on Unanimous Vote

March 10, 2025

TJ Nelson,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — By a unanimous vote, Moorhead City Council has hired Fargo Police Capt. Chris Helmick as the city’s next police chief. Helmick got a little chocked up while addressing the council following the vote. He said he wants the city to spend the next few weeks honoring retiring Chief Shannon Monroe and his 30 years of service…