UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA STUDY ESTIMATES IMPACT OF PROPOSED SALES TAX FOR DILWORTH’S COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT
DILWORTH – If Dilworth residents approve a half-percent (0.5%) local sales tax this November, the city would collect more than $2.25 million from nonresident spending to help finance a new $7.2 million community center, according to a study by the University of Minnesota Extension Center.
The city commissioned the University of Minnesota study so residents would have a better understanding of how the sales tax distributes the project’s costs. The Extension Center is widely respected for its expertise in this area and has performed similar research for more than 40 other Minnesota cities and counties.
Afer receiving authorization from the Minnesota Legislature last year, the City Council proposed the local sales tax to fund the new community center because it spreads the cost among residents and nonresidents who make purchases in the city and benefit from city amenities. If the city used a property tax increase, the cost of the project would fall entirely on homeowners and commercial property owners in Dilworth.
“We knew from the beginning of this process that we needed to carefully consider the tax impact on the community,” said Mayor Chad Olson. “We want to make sure residents have a clear understanding of the value of this project and how we propose to pay for it.”
According to the University of Minnesota Extension Center, 35% of taxable sales would be paid by visitors who make purchases in the city, based on an evaluation of the city’s 2021 tax collections. The extension center estimates that each Dilworth resident would pay about $3.24 per month in local sales tax.
The city’s former community center was more than 40 years old when it was permanently closed in early April. The closure allows for the construction of a new modern fire station, which will replace the former community center and the adjoining fire station at 709 1st Ave NW.
In 2021, a facility assessment of the former community center and fire station identified major infrastructure problems, aging operating systems and a lack of space to support their respective roles in the city. More recently, residents who participated in an online survey helped prioritize services and amenities for a new community center.
“This project has been shaped by feedback from residents since the start,” Olson said. “We are committed to making sure that they have the information they need when they vote this fall.”
If approved by voters, the new community center would offer a wide range of spaces that will help foster community engagement and support more programs for residents of all ages. Key features of the proposed new building include new spaces for various events and activities, new equipment and technology, and a large, modern kitchen.
“The former community center was essentially a one-size-fits-all event space. Our population has doubled since it opened, and our needs have changed,” said City Administrator Peyton Mastera. “This new building would provide more functional areas for residents to come together in a variety of different ways.”
Dilworth voters will decide on Nov. 5 whether to authorize a local sales tax to help pay for the construction of the new community center, plus financing costs. The tax is expected to generate more than $6.1 million over a 25-year period. Any additional funds needed for the project would come from a combination of tax abatements, private investment and facility revenues.
Funding for the $10 million fire station has already been secured and approved using a combination of federal, state and local funds. The new station will be completed by the end of summer in 2025.
If the local sales tax is approved, design and engineering work for the community center project would begin in early 2025, which would allow the city to set a clear construction timeframe.
Residents are encouraged to visit DilworthOnTrack.org to learn more about the community center project and to review the complete University of Minnesota report. The website is updated regularly and provides residents with the opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback.

HOMICIDE SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
MOORHEAD – Isaac Arthur Arndt, age 18, of Fargo, ND, has been taken into custody for the recent murder discovered on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Arndt has been taken into custody in Fargo, ND, and transported to the Cass County Jail in Fargo for the homicide of a female occurring in the area of 6 Avenue and Elm Street South in Moorhead. The suspect and victim were known to each other. A long-form complaint for Felony Homicide charges and extradition back to Clay County will be completed by the Clay County Attorney’s Office.
The identification of the female is pending further family notification.
The investigation is still ongoing. Residents near the crime scene are asked to view their surveillance footage for any possible activity between last evening and early this morning. Anyone with information is asked to call the Red River Dispatch Center at 701.451.7660 and ask to speak to a Moorhead Police Supervisor.

MOORHEAD MAN ARRESTED FOR CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
A 53-year-old Moorhead Man was arrested for a variety of serious crimes against children
MOORHEAD – On August 13, the Moorhead Police Department with the assistance of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant belonging to Jon Stock (53) in Moorhead. Several devices were seized as part of the investigation which led to the arrest on August 15 by the Moorhead Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Metro Street Crimes task force. Jon is being held at the Clay County Jail for the following charges:
1st Degree Criminal Sexual Contact (Penetration or Contact with a Person under 14) (2 Counts)
2nd Degree Criminal Sexual Contact (Person under 14)
Use Minor in Sexual Performance/Pornographic Work
Interfere with Privacy Against a Minor under 18
Possess Pornographic Work
Investigators are still processing the electronic media and hope to identify additional victims as part of the investigation. If you have any additional information, you are asked to contact the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at 701.451.7660 and ask to speak to the Moorhead Police Supervisor.

City to take on downtown
redevelopment leadership
The city of Moorhead is taking over leadership of downtown redevelopment, with the completion of Roers Development’s pre-development agreement to help revitalize the Center Mall area.
The Fargo-based firm has worked with Moorhead for the past five years to create a shared vision for the area. The collaboration has included the company’s work with mall property owners to acquire their property and help with relocation within Moorhead. Its staff have worked with the city on redesigning streets and utilities to optimize the renewed area.
“Moorhead could not have gotten this project off the ground without Roers,” city manager Dan Mahli said. He called the Roers’ teams dedication and expertise invaluable. “We look forward to continuing the work as we enter the next phase of development.”
Jim Roers, CEO of the development firm, said, “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the city of Moorhead on this transformative project. It’s been a privilege to help shape the vision for downtown, and we are excited to see the reconstruction begin.” He called it a “unique opportunity” to create a “vibrant hub of housing, community spaces and commercial opportunities.”
Construction has begun on two of the nine redesigned city blocks – the community center/library in the southwest corner, and Kevin Bartram’s mixed-use building on the east side of the mall area.
Downtown construction is expected to continue over the next several years, with more than $400 million in additional new developments anticipated. City Hall will also be remodeled and reconfigured as a stand-alone structure. According to a news release from Roers, the company will continue to provide support as needed, but the city will now be the primary contact for developers interested in the area. For more information about the project, contact Derrick LaPoint, president of Downtown Moorhead Inc.