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The Bemidji City Council denied Northern Township's request for connection to its wastewater treatment facility due to an ongoing boundary dispute. In February, a judge permitted Northern Township to become its own city, rejecting Bemidji's annexation efforts.

Mayor Jorge Prince stated the city's policy of 'no connection without annexation' is crucial to avoid legal issues. The decision faced dissent from Council member Emelie Rivera, who highlighted inconsistent policy application. Northern Township plans to construct its own wastewater treatment plant, with initial infrastructure work expected to coincide with an upcoming road project.