Everything came out, so now we're just in that fringe. Becker also has benefited by property tax revenues from the Xcel Energy Inc. power plant, which keeps residential property taxes low. The city grew by 50 to 60 houses every year in recent years, and is almost out of residential property within its limits, said Kelli Neu, city planner. City officials also are planning orderly annexation agreements north and east of the city, she said. School classrooms are filled, said Superintendent Jim Mantzke.
Construction is under way on two schools.
We couldn't add any more sections if we wanted to. The city of Big Lake nearly doubled in population from 3,113 to 6,063 people. Big Lake Township grew by 2,333 people or 52 percent, and has a new population of 6,785. Lower land costs played a big role in the Big Lake area's growth, as people moved out of the Twin Cities seeking larger lots, said Patrick Wussow, city administrator. More upscale homes are being built, he said.