Fergus Falls committee renews one-year lease for Fergus Room at Bigwood Event Center

The Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole voted to recommend renewing a one‑year lease with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, for the Fergus Room at the Bigwood Event Center at a rate of $200 per day.

Bill Sommore summarized the request, saying the arrangement covers two weekday daytime bookings and avoids overtime costs. “They’re a good tenant out there,” Sommore said, adding staff proposed a one‑year term to allow a fuller review of rental rates for the entire facility later this year. He told the committee the city will reexamine day rates and weekend rental pricing when staff completes a broader market review.

Council handled the item on the consent agenda and approved the recommendation by voice vote. The motion was made and seconded during the meeting; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.

The committee’s decision allows staff to proceed with the short renewal while preparing a market comparison and a potential comprehensive rental‑rate update for the Bigwood Event Center.