The Red Wing Police Department has a new mascot ready, but something's missing: a name! Help us choose by voting for one of the four finalist names selected by Police Department staff. The choices are:

• Blue
• Copper
• Hero
• Scout

The community has until October 15 to weigh in. The name with the most votes wins. Cast your vote here.

Mark Your Calendar: September 29

Attend Both Events if You Can!

Council Sets 2027 Preliminary Levy

City Council members approved the 2027 preliminary levy in a 5-1 vote last night. A levy is the total amount of property taxes the City collects to fund services and operations. The preliminary levy sets the maximum amount the final levy can be. At this point, that maximum reflects a 5.53% increase over 2026. Setting a higher preliminary amount gives the City flexibility if unexpected costs arise before the final budget is adopted. Numerous Council members noted Monday night that their goal is to lower the increase to around 3.5% or less before December, when they will vote on the final levy and budget. To learn more, review the preliminary budget summary and staff report. You can also catch up on past budget talks and see when future discussions are scheduled. As always, you're welcome to contact your City Council members and the Mayor with your feedback.

Council Vote Recap

Here's a sampling of votes taken this week. All members were present for the first portion of the meeting. Council member Lambert was absent for the second half. View the entire agenda and reports here.

• Approved (7-0) to accept the donation of the Mississippi Dialogues artwork to be installed in Colvill Park in October. Artist Margaret Pearce worked with the Prairie Island Indian Community and others on this multi-year project.

• Council considered whether to approve a separation agreement with, or accept the resignation of, Finance Director Marshall Hallock. After discussion, the Council chose not to do either on Monday night. Instead, it approved a motion (4-3) that Hallock will remain an employee of the City while negotiations continue. (Farrar, Kliewer, and Goggin dissented.) Council then approved (4-3) that the Council's Personnel Committee will lead the negotiation. (Norton, Lambert, and Beise dissented.) The Personnel Committee is expected to bring a future recommendation to the full Council for a vote.

• Approved (6-0) a set of resolutions to begin the City's yearly process of adding unpaid bills to property taxes. These bills include delinquent utility charges and other unpaid costs, such as code violations or sidewalk installations. A public hearing on the proposed assessments will be held on Monday, October 12 at 6 p.m. (Lambert was absent.)

• Approved (5-1) the City's 2027 preliminary levy of 5.53% over 2026 and the proposed budget. (Goggin dissented. Lambert was absent.)

• Approved (5-1) the Port Authority's 2027 preliminary levy of 8.71% over 2026 and the proposed budget. (Goggin dissented. Lambert was absent.)

• Approved (5-1) the Housing and Redevelopment Authority's 2027 preliminary levy of 5.5% over 2026 and the proposed budget. (Goggin dissented. Lambert was absent.)

Candidate Forums: Thursdays in October

Candidate Forums

Thursday, October 1: City Council

Thursday, October 8: School Board

Thursday, October 15: Sheriff, State Representative, and State Senate

Doors open at 6 p.m./Forums at 6:30

Twin Bluff Middle School

Absentee voting starts soon, but which local candidates will earn your vote? Whether you vote early or on Election Day, get to know the candidates on our local ballots during upcoming candidate forums hosted by the League of Women Voters of Red Wing. The events take place on the first three Thursdays in October at Twin Bluff Middle School. Candidates for City Council, School Board, County Sheriff, State Representative 20A, and State Senate 20 will all have the opportunity to make their case for your vote. If you have a question you'd like candidates to answer, fill out the candidate forum question form. The countdown to the 2026 general election is on. The time to decide who you want to represent you is now.

Opening Doors

Going Global

The Ikata Exchange Program presents a world of opportunity to participants. Are you ready to embrace it? The Sister Cities Commission is seeking applications for students and a chaperone to join the summer 2027 trip with our sister city, Ikata, Japan. Starting in late July 2027, participants will spend roughly two weeks in Japan, including a homestay in Ikata, before welcoming Ikata students here to Red Wing. Fundraising opportunities are available to help make travel costs minimal. Interested students and potential chaperones can learn more about the exchange program and apply to join the 2027 cohort here. Chaperone applications are due October 9. Student applications are due October 30.

All in a Day's Work

We'll Save You a Seat

Arts & Culture Commission Meeting

City Council Chambers

Wednesday, September 16, at 5:30 p.m.

Sustainability Commission Meeting

City Council Chambers

Tuesday, September 22, at 5:30 p.m.

Human Rights Commission Meeting

City Council Chambers

Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m.

City Council Meeting

City Council Chambers

Monday, September 28, at 6 p.m.