Park Rapids, Aug. 27 — The Park Rapids City Council addressed concerns regarding financial assistance for the new Pizza Ranch restaurant at 1400 1st St. E. During the meeting, council members clarified that any potential subsidy would be a revolving loan, not a direct grant.
The council received numerous questions from residents following a report titled “New Owner Seeks Do-Over for Pizza Ranch” in the Enterprise’s Aug. 24 issue. Liz Stone expressed concern that the headline was misleading, suggesting the new owners either regretted their decision or sought financial aid from the city.
City Administrator Angel Weasner explained that PR PR LLC, the new owner, requested a tax incentive. The city is considering establishing a tax increment financing (TIF) district for this purpose. Under this plan, the current property taxes will be frozen, and the city will only collect taxes on the increased value of the new facility. These funds will help cover the developer’s bond payments.
Weasner clarified that any business subsidy would be a loan from the city’s Revolving Loan Fund, with a maximum amount of $150,000. This loan has not yet been applied for but is being considered as part of the potential financial package.
Stone emphasized that the TIF incentive pertains only to the increased value of the property due to the new building. The city will not issue a direct check to the developers.
Council member Tim Little noted that the investment is expected to benefit the city in the long run by increasing tax capacity and helping to keep taxes lower for other property owners.
The new Pizza Ranch will feature amenities such as an arcade or fun zone for families.
Zoning and Financial Approvals
In other business, the council:
Approved the first reading of an ordinance to designate R-1 single-family residential zoning for a 0.77-acre property at 113 Western Ave. N., currently the home of James and Pamela Girtz. The property is served by city water and sewer.
Paid BRZ Coatings Inc. $125,452 for work on the Hatch Ave. water tower rehabilitation.
Paid CHS $1,614 for bulk oil, windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, and barrel deposits for the city’s vehicle fleet.
Paid Indepth Inspection $9,073 for plan reviews, permit fees, plumbing inspections, and rental inspections through July 12.
Paid Motorola Solutions $5,733 for a portable radio for the fire department.
Paid MVI $1,398 for irrigator repairs.
Approved payables totaling $128,017 and prepaids totaling $117,342.
The next city council meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at City Hall.