For 1st time since 2015, a Minnesota township will become a city
Credit River Township is being incorporated as a city in Scott County.
It marks the first time since 2015 that a Minnesota township has been promoted to city status, with Rice Lake, which sits just north of Duluth in St. Louis County, being the last.
Credit River Township will formally be recognized as the City of Credit River. An administrative judge granted the incorporation following nearly 15 years of planning that includes zoning, a Metropolitan Council's 2040 plan, planning for urban services and creating a wastewater plan.
Scott County authorities say parts of Credit River Township have been annexed to Prior Lake in recent years, which created a "loss in tax base and properties that could become commercial development."
The township will formally become the City of Credit River upon the election of a mayor and a city council. The election is scheduled to be held April 13, 2021, when a mayor and four council members will be voted in.
“This has been a long process and would not have been possible without the support of our residents and the Township Board and Staff members” said Town Board Chairman Chris Kostik in a statement. “We thank our adjoining communities and Scott County for their positive support during this process.”
Nearly 6,000 people live in Credit River Township, which is more than 61 other cities that are in the seven-county metro area.