Frequently Asked Questions...

Yes!  Use the link provided above.

City Council meetings are open to the public and held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The Council has a work session on the 4th Monday at 5:30 p.m. and, if needed, on the 5th Monday. Closed meetings are noticed under certain Minnesota Statute authority.

All dogs and cats 4 months of age are required to be licensed with the City. See Chapter 6, Article II of the Bemidji City Code which outlines the regulations for animal control within City limits. For a particular question or concern, contact the Community Service Officer at 218.333.9111.

A Guide to Minnesota's Property Tax System.

Cities are allowed to charge utility companies, which include cable, gas and electric, a franchise fee. The legal ability to do so is defined in MN Statute 216.36.

The franchise fee represents “rent” that a utility company pays to use the City’s public right-of-ways for placing its lines, pipes and poles. If utility companies were unable to place their infrastructure in the City rights-of-way, it would be more difficult and expensive to provide these types of services to City residents.

Utility companies collect this fee from customers and in turn pay the City the fees collected. The City uses these fees as a revenue stream to fund on-going City operations including police, fire, streets, parks and general government activities.

If franchise fees were not part of the City budget, property taxes would be substantially higher and/or service levels reduced. One advantage of franchise fees is they are paid by all properties, including those exempt from paying property taxes. Considering over 50% of City property value does not pay property taxes, utilizing franchise fees as a revenue source is an effective way to spread the cost of government to a larger base.

Use this handy map for your refuse (garbage) pickup day.  

The Bemidji Downtown Alliance manages the parking permits for the downtown lots for the City of Bemidji.

Parking tickets can be paid at City Hall by either using the drop box provided by the front door or at the upper level reception desk. In addition, parking tickets can be paid in person at the Bemidji Police Department.

You must pay the ticket first.  Then you can complete a Parking Ticket Appeal's form and return it to the City Clerk's Office. The matter will be examined by City staff, who will contact you in generally two-six weeks.

It is the responsibility of the property owner or resident of the property to keep snow and ice removed from sidewalks abutting property. City Code Chapter 20-6(c)(1-4).

To request a hearing regarding an administrative fine (citation), please complete a Request for Hearing - Administrative Fine form and return it to the City Clerk's Office.  Appeal forms are also available at City Hall.

Job openings are posted on the City's website and in the Bemidji Pioneer.