Big Lake meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Big Lake Council Sets Preliminary 2027 Levy at $6.87M; TIF Plan for PCA Facility Moves Forward

The Big Lake City Council directed staff to keep the preliminary 2027 property tax levy at $6,865,952 during a special budget workshop on Aug. 12. The council will consider the levy at its Sept. 16 meeting. No formal vote was taken on the budget or levy; the workshop was informational and directional.

City Council budget workshop

The council adopted the proposed agenda unanimously and adjourned at 4:37 p.m. unanimously. The preliminary levy figure will be considered for final approval at the Sept. 16 meeting.

EDA to consider TIF plan for PCA manufacturing facility

The Big Lake Economic Development Authority (EDA) met Aug. 10 to consider recommending City Council approval of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan for Packaging Corporation of America's proposed $250 million manufacturing facility. The project is expected to create 125 jobs. The board reviewed a resolution recommending approval of TIF District 1-8, which would allow a pay-as-you-go note of up to $6.66 million. The EDA also reviewed its 2027 budget, proposed special benefit levy, financial reports, and claims for June and July 2026. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

City Council public hearing on easement vacation and other items

The City Council's Aug. 19 agenda included a public hearing on a petition to vacate a drainage and utility easement, approve a simple subdivision, and a special lot combination agreement for Corner Oaks Dental. The council also discussed a concept PUD plan for The Preserve of Big Lake and considered early building permits for Lots 7-10, Block 4, Prairie Rose Subdivision. The consent agenda included claims totaling $2,842,612.11, a water tower rehabilitation contract with KLM Engineering, Inc., and a closed session on labor negotiation strategy. The council also considered purchasing a 2019 Chevy Tahoe SSV Fire Department Duty Command Vehicle and selling Grass Trucks 14 and 16. This was an agenda-only meeting; minutes have not yet been published.

City Council workshop on TIF district

Also on Aug. 19, the council held a workshop to review a proposed TIF district for the PCA facility. The council heard a presentation from Northland Securities and discussed the draft 2027-2031 Pavement Management Plan. The proposal includes $250 million in private investment, a 550,000-square-foot facility, and 125 new jobs. The developer could receive up to $6.66 million in tax increment reimbursement over nine years, with 5.5% simple interest. The city would retain 2% of annual tax increment for administrative costs, with no general obligation bonds or advance city funds. A public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2026, to consider the TIF plan and development program modification.

Coming up

The Parks Advisory Committee will meet on Aug. 24 to discuss a concept PUD plan for The Preserve of Big Lake, a 79-lot residential development on 28.46 acres. The committee will provide a recommendation on park land dedication and trails, including a proposed 10-foot-wide trail along County Road 81 that requires county approval. The committee will also review and approve the July 27, 2026 meeting minutes and receive updates on park funds and staff projects.

Big Lake weighs $250M PCA plant, cannabis facility, and 2027 levy as decisions await minutes

Big Lake city officials this month are weighing several major economic development and budget items, including a proposed $250 million manufacturing facility, a cannabis grow operation, and a $6.86 million property tax levy. No formal decisions have been reported yet, as minutes from recent meetings have not been published. The following summarizes what was on the agendas of recent meetings and what is scheduled for the coming weeks.

Economic development

PCA manufacturing facility — The Big Lake Economic Development Authority (BLEDA) on Aug. 10 considered recommending City Council approval of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan for Packaging Corporation of America's proposed $250 million manufacturing facility, which is expected to create 125 jobs. The resolution would authorize a TIF District 1-8 with up to $6.66 million in pay-as-you-go notes. The City Council will hold a workshop on Aug. 19 to review the proposed TIF district, with a public hearing set for Sept. 16. The developer could receive up to $6.66 million in tax increment reimbursement over nine years at 5.5% simple interest; the city would retain 2% of annual tax increment for administrative costs. No general obligation bonds or advance city funds are proposed.

Cannabis facility — The City Council and Township Board, meeting jointly as the Joint Powers Board on Aug. 3, considered a Letter of Intent for PSBX Real Estate LLC to purchase a 2.25-acre lot in the Big Lake Industrial Park East for $78,400, reduced to $0 with a forgivable loan. The developer plans a cannabis grow and processing facility with an initial 4,200 sq ft buildout and potential expansion to 33,000 sq ft. The loan requires retention of four full-time jobs for at least one year. The property is zoned Industrial Park (I-1).

Budget and levy

The City Council held a special workshop on Aug. 12 to review the proposed 2027 Preliminary Budget and levy. The proposed 2027 General Fund budget totals $8,170,587, a 4.86% increase over 2026, with no new General Fund positions. The preliminary property tax levy is approximately $6.86 million, with the General Levy up 4.67%. The Debt Service Levy is $1.1 million, representing the first full Public Safety Facility bond levy. Water rates are planned to increase 5% and sewer rates 10%. A $450,000 transfer is proposed for street maintenance capital improvements. The estimated city tax impact for a home valued at $350,000 is about $7 per month.

Planning and land use

The Planning Commission on Aug. 3 reviewed a concept PUD plan for The Preserve of Big Lake, a proposed residential development with 79 single-family home lots. The commission also discussed comprehensive plan compliance for the sale of Lot 2, Block 1, Big Lake Industrial Park East — the same property involved in the cannabis facility proposal.

Coming up

• **Aug. 19, City Council workshop** — Review of proposed TIF District No. 1-8 for the PCA project, including a presentation from Northland Securities, and discussion of the draft 2027-2031 Pavement Management Plan. No formal action is expected.
• **Aug. 19, City Council regular meeting** — Public hearing on a petition to vacate a drainage and utility easement, approve a simple subdivision, and a special lot combination for Corner Oaks Dental. The council will also discuss the concept PUD for The Preserve of Big Lake, consider early building permits for Lots 7-10, Block 4, Prairie Rose Subdivision, approve a Water Tower No. 3 Rehabilitation contract with KLM Engineering, Inc., and consider purchase of a 2019 Chevy Tahoe SSV Fire Department Duty Command Vehicle and sale of Grass Trucks 14 and 16. The consent agenda includes claims totaling $2,842,612.11 and a closed session on labor negotiation strategy.

Big Lake weighs cannabis facility, $250M plant, and 2027 budget

No decisions were made at Big Lake government meetings in the past two weeks; all items remain on agendas pending future action. The most consequential item on the table is a proposed $250 million manufacturing facility from Packaging Corporation of America, which the Big Lake Economic Development Authority will consider on Aug. 10. Also pending are a cannabis grow and processing facility purchase, a 79-lot residential development, and the city's 2027 budget and levy.

Cannabis facility purchase on City Council agenda

At the Aug. 3 City Council and Township Board meeting, members were scheduled to consider a Letter of Intent for PSBX Real Estate LLC to purchase Lot 2, Block 1, Big Lake Industrial Park East Plat Six. The listed sale price is $78,400, reduced to $0 with financial assistance. The developer plans a cannabis grow and processing facility with an initial 4,200 sq ft buildout and potential expansion to 33,000 sq ft. The property is zoned Industrial Park (I-1) and covers 2.25 acres in Phase II of the park. A forgivable loan would require retention of four full-time jobs for at least one year. The agenda also included a Right of Entry Permit for property inspection. Minutes have not yet been published.

Planning Commission reviews residential concept

Also on Aug. 3, the Planning Commission held an informal review of a concept PUD plan for The Preserve of Big Lake (PID #65-00113-3000), featuring 79 single-family home lots. The commission also discussed comprehensive plan compliance for the sale of Lot 2, Block 1, Big Lake Industrial Park East (PID: 65-00590-0110). No votes were recorded; the meeting was listed as agenda only.

Parks Advisory Committee considers archery range

On July 27, the Park Advisory Committee reviewed an Eagle Scout proposal for an archery range project. The agenda also included staff updates on park projects and maintenance, a strategic plan standing item, approval of June 22 meeting minutes, and an open forum for public comment. Minutes are not yet published.

EDA to consider TIF for PCA plant

At the Aug. 10 Big Lake Economic Development Authority meeting, the board will consider a resolution recommending City Council approval of TIF District 1-8 for Packaging Corporation of America's proposed $250 million manufacturing facility, which is expected to create 125 jobs. The resolution includes up to a $6.66 million pay-as-you-go note. The board will also review its 2027 budget and proposed special benefit levy, plus financial reports and claims for June and July 2026.

City Council budget workshop

The City Council will hold a special workshop on Aug. 12 to review the proposed 2027 Preliminary Budget, 2028 Planning Budget, and 2029–2032 Concept Budgets, and to discuss the proposed 2027 Preliminary Property Tax Levy. The proposed 2027 General Fund budget totals $8,170,587, a 4.86% increase over 2026, with no new General Fund positions. The preliminary levy is approximately $6.86 million, with the General Levy up 4.67%. The Debt Service Levy is $1.1 million, the first full Public Safety Facility bond levy. Water rates are planned to increase 5% and sewer rates 10%. A $450,000 Street Maintenance CIP Transfer is also proposed. The estimated city tax impact for a home valued at $350,000 is about $7 per month.

Coming up

• **Aug. 10, 2026** – EDA meeting: TIF recommendation for PCA plant, 2027 budget, special benefit levy.
• **Aug. 12, 2026** – City Council special workshop: 2027 preliminary budget and levy discussion.

All meeting materials are available from the city's official agenda and minutes portal.

Big Lake Boards Set Agenda Items on Development, Budgets, and Water Tower Repairs

Big Lake's advisory and governing bodies laid out packed agendas over the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings. That means the items below reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action — not confirmed outcomes. The Economic Development Authority's July 13 meeting was cancelled, with no items considered.

Planning Commission — July 6

The Planning Commission agenda included two public hearings:

• A setback variance request for a replacement septic system at 760 Shady Lane. The request seeks to reduce the required setback from 150 feet to 68.2 feet from Blacks Lake.
• The proposed "Preusse Lake Preserves" subdivision, which involves a comprehensive plan amendment, zoning text and map amendments, a planned unit development (PUD) stage, and a preliminary plat.

Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Fire Board — July 7

The Big Lake Fire Department Joint Powers Board agenda listed review of the preliminary 2027 operations and capital expenditures budget, discussion of valuations for Grass 14 and Grass 16, and review of the treasurer's financial report.

The agenda also included ratification of payroll paid totaling $30,775.36 for the period of May 1–June 30, 2026, and ratification of claims paid totaling $70,375.60 for the period of April 23–June 25, 2026.

Minutes have not yet been published.

Economic Development Authority — July 13

The EDA meeting scheduled for July 13, 2026 was cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.

City Council — July 15

The City Council agenda covered two separate packets. The first centered on infrastructure and facilities:

• Discussion of priority reconditioning for Water Tower #3, following a 2023 inspection. Staff sought direction on moving forward to address exterior coating failures and maintenance concerns.
• Discussion of the Ice Rink and Warming House.
• Discussion of Lakeside Park Fishing Pier Access Improvements.
• An update on the City Hall Fleet Expansion Request.
• Discussion of a Fire Department vehicle purchase and sale.

The second packet focused on development applications and city finances:

• A public hearing on the Prairie Rose Development PUD amendment and final plat.
• A development application for the Preusse Lake Preserves Addition.
• The setback variance for a replacement septic system at 760 Shady Lane, also on the Planning Commission agenda.
• A call for a public hearing on July 16, 2026 regarding Municipal Development District No. 1.
• Approval of claims and payroll totaling $1,529,184.64.

All City Council items are listed as agenda only; minutes have not yet been published, so no votes or decisions are confirmed.

What This Means for Residents

Several items on these agendas could affect daily life in Big Lake: the proposed Preusse Lake Preserves subdivision and Prairie Rose Development could add housing; Water Tower #3 rehabilitation addresses aging infrastructure; and the Fire Board's 2027 budget review signals early planning for public safety spending. Until minutes are published, residents should treat all of the above as proposed, not final.

Coming Up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Planning Commission to consider subdivision and lake setback variance

Big Lake residents will have opportunities this week to weigh in on two major land-use proposals, while the city's Parks Advisory Committee last month reviewed a Boy Scout-led garbage improvement plan but has not yet published any decisions.

Planning Commission to hear subdivision, septic variance requests

The Big Lake Planning Commission will hold public hearings at its July 6 meeting on a proposed large subdivision and a request to reduce the required setback for a septic system on Blacks Lake.

The first item is a variance request for property at 760 Shady Lane. The owner asks to replace a septic system within 68.2 feet of Blacks Lake, well short of the 150-foot minimum required by city code. The Planning Commission will take public comment before deciding.

The second item is a comprehensive plan amendment, zoning text and map changes, and preliminary plat for the proposed "Preusse Lake Preserves" subdivision. The project would be developed under a planned unit development (PUD) zoning designation. A public hearing is also scheduled for this item.

Both items are listed on the published agenda as public hearings. No decisions have been made yet; the commission will deliberate after hearing testimony.

Parks Advisory Committee reviews garbage plan, fund balances

The Parks Advisory Committee met June 22 to discuss a garbage improvement plan proposed by the Boy Scouts. The committee also reviewed current fund balances and continued its standing review of the city's strategic plan.

No votes or decisions were reported; the meeting's minutes have not yet been published. The agenda listed only discussion items.

Coming up

• **Big Lake Planning Commission** – July 6, 2026, public hearings on a septic setback variance for 760 Shady Lane and the Preusse Lake Preserves subdivision. Check the city website for meeting time and location.
• Any other upcoming meetings beyond July 6 were not included in the provided data. Residents are encouraged to monitor the city's official calendar for future meetings.