By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Dakota City, IA – The Dakota City Council approved a seasonal campground application for 2027, set Halloween trick-or-treat hours and moved its November meeting date during its regular meeting Wednesday, October 14.
The council approved an application from Sherry and Justin Harris for seasonal campsite number 11. The couple submitted an application and paid the required $300 deposit. Four sites, numbers 6, 7, 10 and 11; were included in the seasonal campsite drawing process, with site 11 selected as the couple’s first choice.
The city’s campground is scheduled to close for the season on Sunday, October 18. City officials said the bathrooms will be locked when the camp host leaves to help prevent vandalism. The final tree at the campground is also scheduled to be removed the following week.
Council members approved Dakota City’s annual urban renewal report for fiscal year 2025-26.
City staff reported the city received $43,111 in tax increment financing revenue associated with the Dakota Heights development. Approximately $30,000 remains on an internal loan the city used to pay for infrastructure improvements, including streets and water service, in the development.
The report is required as long as the city continues to receive tax increment financing revenue. City staff estimated the district has approximately four to five years remaining. After the tax increment financing period ends, revenue from the development will be distributed among the taxing entities that include the hospital, school, college and county, while Dakota City would continue receiving its share of property tax revenue.
The council approved Halloween trick-or-treat hours for Saturday, October 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The schedule matches Humboldt’s hours, allowing the communities to coordinate Halloween activities and improve safety as children travel through the area.
The council also approved moving its November meeting to Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m., because of the Veterans Day holiday.
During council and staff comments, city officials said seasonal stick pickup is planned for the week of October 26. The schedule could change if significant winter weather occurs.
City staff also discussed ongoing work on the annual financial report and the transition to new billing software. November utility bills are expected to look different under the new system. Beginning around December, the city plans to provide information about online account access, electronic billing and utility payment options.
Discussion also addressed water and sewer rates, with city staff explaining that utility revenue must cover operating expenses, infrastructure needs and debt obligations. The city’s approximately $1.6 million sewer loan is expected to be paid off in 2029. Officials noted that future infrastructure needs could affect whether rates decrease after the loan is paid off.