Mandan · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mandan public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Satellite Library (The Branch) Funding and Operations
Updates were scheduled on the bookmobile, The Branch (previously targeted for an October 20 opening), the SideTracks tourism makerspace, and fundraising efforts. These projects shape where and how residents access library services.
Water, sewer, and Public Works rate increases for 2027
New rates for water, sewer, and Public Works services take effect January 1, 2027 — utility customers will see the changes on their bills in the new year.
Special election on proposed ordinance
Voters will decide a proposed ordinance at a December 15, 2026 special election.
2027 city budget and property tax levy (Ordinance No. 1488)
The commission finalized the city's 2027 budget and 2026 tax levy. This sets spending priorities for everything from police to parks next year.
Open City Commission seat
The commission discussed how to fill its vacant seat, and resident Susan Beehler submitted written testimony on the matter. A decision hasn't been made yet.
Passing of Commissioner Craig Sjoberg
Commissioner Craig Sjoberg died August 29 while serving on the commission. The meeting opened with a tribute and Mayor Froelich ordered flags at half-staff on September 4, the day of his funeral.
E-bike, e-scooter and minibike regulations (Ordinance 1489)
New citywide rules now govern electric bikes and scooters: 15 mph caps on sidewalks and trails, helmets for riders under 18, minimum ages of 12 and 16 for certain devices, pedestrian right-of-way, and a ban on minibikes and gas-powered devices on paths and sidewalks. Fines start at $50 and rise with repeat offenses.
Construction project progress across Mandan
Memorial Highway's east half should be substantially done before the Fourth of July; the west half is ramping up. Several other street and water projects are wrapping up or moving forward, with a second public input meeting on the 8th Ave/27th St project June 25.
Street Improvement District 244 (8th/27th Phase II)
The city created the district for a $6.7 million rebuild of 8th Avenue NW and 27th Street. Federal grants and city utility funds cover most of it, so typical special assessments dropped to about $5,000 for adjacent lots — roughly 64% less than the 2022 version. Property owners in the district will get letters about the protest period and a June 25 input meeting at Mandan High School.
Data Center Ordinance
Mandan is drafting rules for data centers while a facility could be headed to town, and a packed public meeting shows residents are paying attention. The key question is what gets built and who pays for the roads, water, power, and other infrastructure.
City Hall roof failure and emergency replacement
The City Hall roof has been patched for years and is now leaking onto employees' desks and computers. The city is spending roughly $250,000 to replace both roof sections, using an emergency declaration to skip delays before winter.
Keidels South Heart Terrace 5th Addition subdivision connectivity
A 71-lot subdivision on Mandan's south side was denied because the developer wouldn't preserve a right-of-way for a future road connecting east. Staff worry that self-contained subdivisions are creating traffic and safety problems as the south side grows. The developer can reapply with revisions.
City employee compensation and salary study
The city is paying about 90% of the regional market and 94.5% of what Bismarck pays. New Plan C raises pay to 97.5% of market with a guaranteed 3.5% minimum increase in 2027, costing roughly $600,000 — which finance says fits the ten-year plan.
Emergency water main replacement at 14th St NE & Collins Avenue
An aging asbestos-cement water main buried 15-18 feet deep keeps breaking near Eagles Park, leaving three businesses on temporary water. The commission declared an emergency to speed up replacing 500 feet of pipe with a $200,000 budget amendment.
Old high school site replat and rezoning
The former Mandan High School site was replatted and rezoned from agricultural so the school district can sell lots for future development. The approval is contingent on a future roundabout, which some residents have asked about — the city stressed it's only a concept.
Fire Department Sales Tax Initiative
The fire department wants to redirect the existing sales tax (currently funding the Star and Sports Complex) to build a third fire station. It goes on the June 2026 ballot, and a public information meeting is set for May 18 at Fort Lincoln Elementary.
Memorial Highway water main replacement funding
Mandan is replacing about 3.2 miles of aging asbestos cement water mains along Memorial Highway, from Main Street to 46th Avenue SE. The state covers 60% of eligible costs, and both East and West segments will now be built at the same time in 2026.
Fireworks Ban
Mandan has banned fireworks this year because drought conditions make any spark a real fire risk. So skip the sparklers and backyard shows—the city is prioritizing safety over celebration.