Administrative trial begins for Bemidji and its Northern neighbor

BEMIDJI — The administrative trial for either a boundary adjustment or the formation of a new city north of Bemidji officially began on July 15.

The incorporation of Northern Township as a new city — or the city of Bemidji annexing around Lake Bemidji — will be decided by Administrative Law Judge Jessica Palmer Denig after several months of public comment hearings and meetings.

It all comes back to a difference in opinion between township and city leadership on how to bring sewer access to residents along the northern shore of the lake, where aging septic systems must be addressed.

Northern Township has invested at least $750,000 in the planning of its new sewer system. The Bemidji City Council just approved spending up to $351,000 on a professional services agreement with Bolton and Menk. The firm is contracted to complete preliminary and final designs, as well as topographic surveys, for a sewer and water extension project around the north shore of the lake.

Related Coverage

Northern Township residents show their support for becoming a new city

Township officials estimate more than 300 people attended the informational meeting on incorporation into a new city on May 7, 2025.

Northern Township outlines wastewater treatment plan for Lake Bemidji

Chris Lahn presented on 50 years of aspirations to wrap sewer services around the highly developed Lake Bemidji during a BSU Earth Day event on April 22, 2025.

Beltrami County township seeks to take water treatment into its own hands

The Northern Township project would connect properties along Lake Bemidji, including a resort with previous septic problems.

Bemidji wants another crack at a Lake Bemidji wastewater agreement

In a resolution passed unanimously on April 21, 2025, the Bemidji City Council also issued a notice of intent to annex Northern Township property around the lake.

Who gets to sewer around Lake Bemidji likely to be decided by a judge

Northern Township is planning to assess Lake Bemidji residents to build a new wastewater treatment facility, and the nearby city of Bemidji is looking to annex the same properties.

“We've had some ... extensive conversations over the last week or 10 days, getting them up to speed as far as timing goes. We expect preliminary design in September, final design by the end of the year,” said Sam Anderson, the city’s engineer, during a July 21 Council meeting.

Northern Township secured around $6 million in federal grants to build out a sewer system, with the first phase of connecting residents along the north shore and Lake Bemidji State Park, estimated to cost around $12 million. The township says it will fund the rest of the project through township road funds as well as more than $5 million in local property assessments.

More than $1 million in public money has been invested so far between the two local government entities before any shovels are in the ground. Both groups are seeking to save about $1 million in costs by timing out pipe installations with Beltrami County’s road resurfacing project in 2026.

In a news release, Northern Township reported it will present its case for incorporation before the judge at its town hall between Sept. 29 and Oct. 3. A public comment night, with the judge expected to attend, is also scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 30, at the 4-H building at the Beltrami County Fairgrounds.

The city of Bemidji is expected to present its counter-petition for annexation around Lake Bemidji Oct. 6-10. A public comment night for the city, as well as a joint meeting with the township, are also expected to happen sometime in the fall.