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The 2024 general election cycle in Koochiching County, Minnesota, represents a pivotal moment in the region’s administrative history, characterized not by radical political upheaval, but by a strategic retrenchment of existing governance structures amidst a complex fiscal landscape. This report offers an exhaustive analysis of the election results for the County Board of Commissioners (Districts 1, 3, and 5), the City Council of International Falls, and the Independent School District (ISD) No. 361 School Board. Beyond the ballot box, this document dissects the immediate administrative and financial consequences of these elections, specifically the adoption of the 2025 tax levies, the approval of significant capital improvement bonds for the school district, and the nuanced “Truth-in-Taxation” proceedings that defined the end of the fiscal year.
The analysis reveals a dichotomy in the county’s political life: a high degree of stability in county-level representation, evidenced by uncontested races for incumbent commissioners, contrasted with dynamic shifts in municipal and educational fiscal strategy. In the City of International Falls, a new mayoral administration under Drake Dill has inaugurated a period of fiscal pragmatism, utilizing specific fund transfers related to Voyageurs National Park to suppress the property tax levy increase to 5.81%, down from a proposed 8%. Simultaneously, the electorate’s approval of nearly $18.5 million in school bonds signals a willingness to invest in vocational and athletic infrastructure, despite the long-term debt service implications.
Drawing upon a robust dataset of election returns, official meeting minutes, fiscal audit reports, and multi-year tax capacity studies, this report synthesizes the raw data of the 2024 election into a narrative of governance. It explores the deep structural challenges of rural administration—including Net Tax Capacity (NTC) volatility, the heavy reliance on State Categorical Aid, and the intricate “fiscal federalism” that binds the City, County, and School District in a web of shared resources and competitive taxation.
To fully comprehend the implications of the 2024 election results, one must first understand the unique geopolitical and economic substrate of Koochiching County. As a border region interfacing with Canada and hosting a National Park, the county operates under a set of constraints and opportunities distinct from the rest of Minnesota.
Koochiching County is physically vast, dominated by peatlands, forests, and the Rainy River basin. This geography dictates the structure of its government. The County Board of Commissioners is not merely a legislative body but a land manager, overseeing millions of dollars in timber assets and “Con Con” (Consolidated Conservation) lands. The 2024 election took place in a district-based system designed to balance the population center of International Falls with the sparsely populated, resource-rich hinterlands of Big Falls, Littlefork, and the unorganized territories.1
The governance architecture is tripartite:
The County Board: The supreme executive and legislative authority for county-wide services (Human Services, Highways, Law Enforcement).
Municipal Governments: Primarily the City of International Falls, which serves as the county seat and economic engine, alongside smaller statutory cities like Littlefork and Ranier.
Special Districts: Including ISD 361, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and the Koochiching Development Authority (KDA), all of which possess independent or semi-independent levying authority.2
The outcome of any local election in Minnesota is inexorably tied to the health of the Net Tax Capacity (NTC). The NTC is the calculated value of the property tax base, adjusted for property classification rates (e.g., commercial vs. residential).
Longitudinal NTC Trends (2015-2024):
The fiscal backdrop of the 2024 election was one of recovery and stabilization. Following the economic shocks of the mid-2000s and the contraction of the timber industry, Koochiching County has seen a slow rebuilding of its tax base.
City vs. County NTC: As of the 2024 assessment for 2025 taxes, the City of International Falls comprised approximately 24.2% of the county’s total NTC, valued at roughly $4.13 million against the county’s total of $17.06 million.3
Implication: This creates a structural “fiscal overlap.” Residents of International Falls act as the primary financiers for both the city and a quarter of the county operations. This dynamic was a central theme in the “Fairness and Equity” debates regarding library and airport funding that permeated the 2024 campaign season.4
The reliance on State Categorical Aid has intensified. The 2025 County Budget projects a 37.1% increase in state aid revenue, contrasting with a 39.5% decrease in federal grants.5 This shift places immense pressure on elected commissioners to maintain favorable relations with St. Paul, as the local property tax base alone cannot sustain current service levels without exorbitant levy increases.
The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners is composed of five members serving staggered four-year terms. In 2024, the odd-numbered districts (1, 3, and 5) were up for election. The results were defined by a remarkable stability, with incumbents facing little to no opposition. This lack of contestation suggests a electorate that is either satisfied with the current “steady hand” management of the county’s major capital projects—specifically the new Jail and Law Enforcement Center—or a political environment where the barrier to entry for challengers is prohibitively high.
Geography: District 5 is the largest geographic district, covering the southern and western portions of the county, including the cities of Big Falls, Mizpah, and Northome, and the townships of Birchdale and Loman.6 This district represents the agricultural and forestry heart of the county.
Election Results:
| Candidate | Party Designation | Total Votes | Percentage |
| Dale N. Erickson | Nonpartisan | 305 | 99.67% |
| Write-In | N/A | 1 | 0.33% |
Data Source: 7
Analysis:
Incumbent Commissioner Dale Erickson secured a decisive victory in an uncontested race. Receiving 99.67% of the vote with only a single write-in ballot cast against him indicates a profound consolidation of support. Erickson, who has served since 2023, has focused his tenure on the unique needs of the county’s periphery.6
Governance Role and Future Outlook:
Erickson’s re-election validates his work on the Housing Consortium, where he has championed innovative solutions such as modular housing construction to address the region’s housing shortage. His report from the Grand Marais consortium meeting in late 2025 highlighted the potential for rapid housing deployment (36 units in 2.5 days), a critical strategy for attracting workforce to the district.8 Furthermore, Erickson’s role in the disposition of the Indus School property demonstrates his focus on asset management in declining rural populations. His term, now extended to 2028, will likely center on balancing the preservation of rural services (like the “green box” waste sites) with the fiscal realities of a spread-out population.
Geography: District 3 encompasses parts of the International Falls area and immediate surrounds, acting as a bridge between the urban center and the rural hinterland.
Election Results:
| Candidate | Party Designation | Total Votes | Percentage |
| Adam McIntyre | Nonpartisan | 186 | 98.94% |
| Write-In | N/A | 2 | 1.06% |
Data Source: 9
Analysis:
Like Erickson, Commissioner Adam McIntyre faced no organized opposition. First elected in 2023, his uncontested return for a full term suggests that his initial performance—likely focused on the nuts-and-bolts of county operation—has met constituent expectations. The low raw vote total (186 votes) compared to Erickson (305) may reflect lower turnout in this specific district or a smaller number of registered voters participating in the off-year cycle for this specific ballot line, though it aligns with the general trend of uncontested local races.10
Committee Assignments:
McIntyre’s influence is exerted through his committee work. He serves on the Extension Committee, which is vital for the county’s 4-H and agricultural extension programs. In a rural county, the Extension service is a primary conduit for youth development and agricultural best practices. His re-appointment to this committee in January 2025 ensures continuity in these programs.11 Additionally, his role on the Family Service Collaborative Joint Powers Board places him at the intersection of county health services and school district operations, a critical nexus for supporting at-risk youth and families.
Geography: District 1 includes the City of Littlefork and the City of Ranier. This district is economically diverse, hosting the Littlefork Medical Center (a major county asset) and the tourism gateway of Ranier.
Election Context:
While the specific ballot count for District 1 was less prominent in the available digital snippets than Districts 3 and 5, the administrative record from January 2025 confirms the outcome unequivocally: Destry Hell retained his seat. Commissioner Hell, serving since 2023, was sworn in and active in the organizational meetings of January 7 and 14, 2025.12
Strategic Importance:
Commissioner Hell’s district is home to the Falls International Airport, a critical piece of infrastructure governed by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City and County. Hell’s seat on the Airport Commission allows him to oversee the completion of major capital projects, such as the recently finalized wear coat on the runway.8 Furthermore, his representation of Littlefork involves overseeing the financial health of the Littlefork Medical Center, which the county has historically supported through capital loans.1 Hell’s re-election ensures that the “second cities” of Koochiching County maintain a robust voice against the demographic weight of International Falls.
It is crucial to note that while the Commissioner races are nonpartisan, they occurred in a highly charged partisan environment. In the 2024 general election, Koochiching County precincts leaned heavily Republican at the top of the ticket. For example, in the U.S. Congressional race (District 8), Republican Pete Stauber carried precincts with upwards of 66% of the vote, while the Presidential race saw Donald Trump securing similar margins.7
This “Red Wave” environment provides context for the County Board’s fiscal conservatism. The electorate’s preference for conservative governance at the federal level translates locally into pressure for low levies and strict budget discipline. The Commissioners, while nonpartisan, must navigate a constituency that is highly sensitive to tax increases and skeptical of government expansion, necessitating the careful “Truth-in-Taxation” presentations seen in December 2024.
The City of International Falls underwent a more visible transformation in 2024 than the County Board. The municipal election resulted in a change of executive leadership and a reorganization of the City Council, setting the stage for a new approach to city management and fiscal policy.
The 2024 election saw the departure of Mayor Harley Droba, who sought the District 3A seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Droba’s bid for state office was unsuccessful, losing to incumbent Republican Roger Skraba (30.97% to 66.96%).7
Concurrently, the city elected a new mayor: Drake Dill. By the January 6, 2025, organizational meeting, Dill had assumed the gavel.15
Drake Dill’s Agenda:
Mayor Dill’s initial actions in January 2025 signal a “working mayor” approach, heavily involved in the operational details of the city. He immediately assumed the chairmanship of two powerful committees:
Legislation and Land Use: Giving him direct oversight over zoning, development, and ordinance reform.
Public Works & Infrastructure: Placing him at the helm of the city’s most capital-intensive department (roads, sewer, water).16
This consolidation of infrastructure oversight suggests that the Dill administration will prioritize physical plant upgrades and aggressive management of the city’s “Permanent Improvement” fund.
The City Council, comprising Councilors Buller, Holden, Kalar, and Wegner, reorganized to support the new administration. The distribution of committee assignments reveals the council’s strategic priorities:
Councilor Holden (President Pro Tem & Budget Chair): Holden’s role as Budget and Finance Chair makes him the de facto CFO of the council. He will be the primary architect of the 2026 budget, tasked with balancing the mayor’s infrastructure ambitions with fiscal reality.16
Councilor Wegner (Public Safety Chair): Wegner oversees the Police and Fire departments. With Public Safety consuming the lion’s share of the operating budget (64% for Police, 26% for Fire within that category), Wegner’s role is critical in managing personnel costs, particularly union negotiations and equipment procurement (e.g., squad cars and fire apparatus).3
The most significant outcome of the 2024 municipal cycle was the adoption of the 2025 tax levy. The process illustrated the tension between rising costs and taxpayer fatigue.
The Trajectory of the Levy:
September 2024: The Preliminary Levy was proposed at an 8.0% increase. This figure was set to capture maximum potential revenue to offset inflation in wages and materials.
December 2024: During the Truth-in-Taxation process, the council worked to whittle this number down.
Final Adoption: On December 16, 2024, the Council adopted a final levy increase of 5.81%.17
The “Fund 410” Strategy:
How did the city reduce the levy by over 2% without slashing services? The answer lies in Fund 410 (Voyageurs National Park Fund). The Council voted to shift specific employment resources—likely police or maintenance staff who perform duties related to the park’s gateway or tourism infrastructure—from the General Fund (101) to Fund 410. Fund 410 is supported by revenues derived from the park relationship (likely federal payments in lieu of taxes or specific tourism taxes). By moving these salaries off the property tax ledger and onto the revenue-supported ledger, the City artificially lowered the levy burden on homeowners while maintaining the same staffing levels.17
Levy Allocation Breakdown:
The finalized 2025 levy of $4,234,565 allocates resources as follows:
| Fund Category | Allocation % | Strategic Intent |
| General Government | 35.8% | Core administration and legal services. |
| Reserve for Capital Outlay | 23.0% | Aggressive saving for future equipment/projects. |
| Permanent Improvement | 19.9% | Road and infrastructure maintenance. |
| Parks & Rec | 11.5% | Quality of life amenities. |
| Library | 7.9% | The city’s contribution to the regional library system. |
| Riverfront Improvement | 1.8% | Targeted economic development on the water. |
Data Source: 3
The high allocation to Capital Outlay (23%) and Permanent Improvement (19.9%)—totaling nearly 43% of the levy—demonstrates a “pay-as-you-go” philosophy. rather than borrowing for every road repair, the city is levying taxes to build cash reserves for infrastructure.
While the City and County focused on operational levies, ISD 361 asked voters to approve long-term debt to finance major capital improvements. The success of these measures was the single largest financial event of the 2024 election for property owners.
The School Board election saw the return of leadership continuity. JoAnn Smith retained the Chairmanship, supported by Jessica Crosby (Vice Chair) and Toni Korpi (Clerk). The board’s stability was essential for the successful marketing and passage of the bond referendum.18
The district placed two questions on the November ballot, both of which passed. This approval authorizes the district to issue General Obligation School Building Bonds, which are repaid through a dedicated debt service levy over 20 years.
Question 1: The Infrastructure Core ($13.95 Million)
This question addressed the “needs” of the district—the aging physical plant and the modernization of curriculum spaces.
Falls High School (FHS): HVAC and ventilation upgrades (critical for air quality), lighting improvements, and façade repairs.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): Construction of a new CTE classroom addition. This component was likely a key selling point to voters, as it directly supports workforce development for the local industrial base.
Falls Elementary School: Construction of a secure entry and new main office (safety upgrades) and conversion of the old office into STEM and special education classrooms.19
Pool HVAC: Safety upgrades to the swimming pool systems.
Question 2: Athletic and Community Facilities ($4.48 Million)
Contingent on the passage of Question 1, this question focused on “wants” that enhance the student experience and community pride.
Bronco Ice Arena: A new addition for Varsity and JV locker rooms and storage. In “Hockey Country,” this facility is a community hub.
Football Stadium: Electrical infrastructure upgrades, locker room renovations, and façade improvements.20
Fiscal Impact on Taxpayers:
The passage of these bonds creates a new tax layer starting in 2025. Unlike the operating levy, which supports salaries, this debt service levy is fixed for two years. The district mitigated the “sticker shock” of this increase by also budgeting for a massive 158% increase in Interest Income for 2025 ($212,000, up from previous years), utilizing high interest rates on their cash balances to offset some operational costs.3
The County Board’s primary output is the annual budget and levy. The 2024 election set the stage for the adoption of the 2025 budget and the preliminary planning for 2026.
Adopted on December 17, 2024, the 2025 County Levy reflects a broader trend of rising costs in rural governance.
Levy Increase: The final levy increased by approximately 6.0% over 2024 levels.
Revenue Shift: The county is seeing a dramatic restructuring of its revenue sources. Property taxes, while increasing by 16.6% in total collection (due to value changes + rate), are being outpaced by State Categorical Aid, which jumped 37.1% to $13.47 million. Conversely, Federal Grants plummeted by 39.5%.5
Spending Priorities:
Public Safety: $4.58 million (4% increase).
Highways (Capital Outlay): $7.55 million (11% increase).
Debt Service: Interest charges skyrocketed by 169% to $1.1 million, reflecting the costs of bonding for the new Law Enforcement Center in a high-interest rate environment.5
In a sign of continued fiscal pressure, the County Board began discussions in late 2025 regarding the 2026 levy. The preliminary proposal outlined an 8.99% increase, driven by General Revenue needs ($2.67 million) and Community Services ($2.14 million).8 This trajectory suggests that the 2024-2025 stability may be the calm before a fiscal storm, as the county grapples with inflationary lag.
The “Truth-in-Taxation” (TnT) process in December 2024 was the mechanism by which the county and city obtained public consent for these levies. These hearings are statutory requirements designed to increase transparency.
A central theme of the 2024 TnT hearings was educating the public on why a levy increase does not mathematically equal a tax bill increase.
The Homestead Exclusion: The State of Minnesota increased the Homestead Exclusion for 2025. This policy reduces the taxable value of a home.
The Equation: Tax = (Market Value – Exclusion) x Class Rate x Local Levy Rate.
Result: Even with the City increasing its levy by 5.81% and the County by ~6%, many homeowners saw only nominal increases (or even decreases) because the Exclusion ate up a larger portion of their home’s value, shielding it from the new rate. This state-level subsidy was the “silent partner” in the 2024 election cycle, allowing local officials to pass necessary increases without triggering a taxpayer revolt.3
The 2024 election highlighted long-standing tensions regarding the “fairness” of shared service funding.
The City of International Falls serves as the fiscal agent for the Library and the Airport, both of which serve the entire county.
The Grievance: City residents argue they pay “double.” They pay city taxes (which fund the library/airport local share) and county taxes (which also fund the county’s contribution). Residents in unorganized territories pay only the county portion.
The Data: In 2024, a city taxpayer paid approximately $57 per capita for the library, while a county resident outside the city paid a fraction of that via the county-wide levy.4
The Outcome: The 2024 elections did not resolve this. However, the re-election of Commissioners Hell (District 1) and Roche (District 2), both of whom serve on the Airport Commission, ensures that the current Joint Powers Agreement structure remains in place. The pressure will continue to build for the County to assume a larger “fair share” of these costs in future budget cycles to relieve the City’s NTC burden.
The 2024 elections in Koochiching County delivered a mandate for continuity in leadership paired with strategic investment in infrastructure. The re-election of Commissioners Erickson, McIntyre, and Hell provides a stable executive team to oversee the completion of the Law Enforcement Center. In the City, Mayor Dill’s new administration has demonstrated immediate fiscal savvy by utilizing the “Fund 410” strategy to control tax rates.
However, the fiscal undercurrents are turbulent. The county’s massive reliance on State Aid, the skyrocketing debt service costs, and the looming 8.99% levy increase for 2026 suggest that the “easy” decisions have been made. The approval of the school bonds adds another layer of tax burden, locking in higher payments for two decades.
Ultimately, the 2024 cycle was a triumph of localism. Voters supported their local schools with bonds, re-elected the commissioners who know their roads and drainage ditches, and installed a city government focused on the mechanics of public works. It was a pragmatic election for a region that values tangible results over partisan rhetoric.
| District | Candidate | Status | Votes | % |
| District 1 | Destry Hell | Winner (Incumbent) | N/A | Retained |
| District 3 | Adam McIntyre | Winner (Incumbent) | 186 | 98.94% |
| Write-In | 2 | 1.06% | ||
| District 5 | Dale Erickson | Winner (Incumbent) | 305 | 99.67% |
| Write-In | 1 | 0.33% |
| Metric | Proposed (Sept) | Final (Dec) | Change |
| Levy Increase % | 8.00% | 5.81% | -2.19% |
| Total Levy Amount | N/A | $4,234,565 | N/A |
| Key Strategy | Standard Inflation | Fund 410 Transfer | Cost Shift |
| Question | Amount | Purpose | Result |
| Q1 | $13,950,000 | HVAC, Safety, CTE, STEM | PASSED |
| Q2 | $4,480,000 | Ice Arena, Stadium | PASSED |
| Total | $18,430,000 | Total Capital Investment | APPROVED |
| Source | Amount | % Change from ’24 |
| Property Taxes | $7,594,747 | +16.6% |
| State Categorical Aid | $13,475,551 | +37.1% |
| Federal Grants | $2,329,516 | -39.5% |
| Interest on Investments | $1,074,936 | +19.4% |
Independent School District No. 361 (ISD 361) is located in International Falls!
Independent School District 361 (ISD 361) serves the educational needs of International Falls, Minnesota, and its surrounding communities. With a commitment to fostering academic success and community involvement, ISD 361 offers comprehensive educational programs from preschool through 12th grade.
ISD 361 encompasses two primary educational institutions: Falls Elementary School and Falls High School. Falls Elementary caters to students from kindergarten through fifth grade, while Falls High School serves grades six through twelve. The district’s mission is to prepare every student to become a productive citizen by... Read more
Koochiching County is the second largest county in the state by land area, encompassing approximately 3,154 square miles!
Koochiching County has a government structure dedicated to meeting the needs of its rural communities. The county covers a vast area of nearly 3,100 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in the state. Its government provides essential services to residents, from public safety to land management, while also ensuring that the county’s natural beauty and resources are preserved.
Koochiching County is known for its vast forests, pristine lakes, and Rainy River. The county seat is International Falls, the “Icebox of the Nation”. Despite the cold, the area is a favorite... Read more
