StoryMunicipal Liquor Store Operations and City FinancesOctober 28, 2026

Richfield Council Votes to Close Long-Struggling Municipal Liquor Store

The Shops at Lindale location, which has incurred nearly two decades of significant operating losses, will cease operations following a unanimous City Council decision aimed at strengthening municipal finances.

Published Oct 28, 2026

Richfield's City Council has unanimously approved the closure of the Shops at Lindale Municipal Liquor Store, citing 19 consecutive years of operating losses. The decision, made during a recent council meeting, aims to alleviate a persistent financial drain on the city's budget, despite acknowledging potential negative impacts on staff.

The recommendation to close the establishment was supported by comprehensive financial data presented to the council, highlighting the store's consistent underperformance. From 2007 through 2023, the Shops at Lindale location averaged $51,000 in annual losses, accumulating a substantial deficit over time.

The recommendation is supported by several factors. First, the Shops at Lindale store had operating losses for 19 consecutive years, averaging $51,000 in annual losses from 2007 through 2023. Second, the store's recent and projected financial performance indicates a continued deterioration in operating results.
— Council Member Hayford Deliri

Council discussions revealed that the store's financial trajectory showed no signs of improvement, with projections indicating a continued downward trend. This sustained deterioration in operating results prompted the council to take decisive action to prevent further financial burdens on the city.

Impact on City Finances and Staff

While the closure is expected to provide a positive fiscal outcome for the City of Richfield, officials expressed regret regarding the implications for current employees. The council emphasized the importance of supporting affected staff and exploring options for their placement within the city's other municipal liquor store locations.

I regret the the negative impacts because I there are some negative impacts here, but I think this isn't that positive for the city. Um, and I'm hopeful that we're able to accommodate staff as well as possible at the remaining uh locations.

Other Topics from This Document

County Budget and Property Tax
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Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) Stability
Transportation Projects and County-City Cost Participation
Affordable Housing and Economic Development Initiatives
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Youth Crisis Stabilization and Community Services
Election Integrity and Community Engagement
Read
Community Services and Arts Commission Reports
City Code and Charter Amendments
Read
Youth Appointments to City Commissions

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Votes (6)

Consent Calendar (Approved Disbursements, Grants, Contract Change Order, and Ordinance)

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Unknown [0:57:44] · Seconded by Unknown [0:57:48]

The Consent Calendar included approval of disbursements and claims, acceptance of Office of Traffic Safety funds for DWI enforcement and a 2027 enforcement grant, approval of a prime contract change order for the Woodlake Nature Center building project, and a second reading of a transitory ordinance funding capital improvements from the liquor special revenue fund. These items were presented for consolidated action.

Ordinance Amendment to Richfield City Code Appendix D (Fee Schedule)

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Coleman Woods [1:00:46] · Seconded by Unknown [1:00:48]

Council Member Coleman Woods introduced the item to review and amend the city's fee schedule for building, planning, and zoning. The goal was to ensure fees reflect staff costs, align with peer communities, and comply with state statute. A public hearing was held where no comments were received from residents. The council then moved to approve the ordinance amendment and authorize its summary publication.

Ordinance Amending Richfield City Charter (Elections & Petition Requirements)

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Burke [1:03:05] · Seconded by Unknown [1:03:10]

Council Member Burke presented the Charter Commission's recommendation to amend several sections of the Richfield City Charter concerning election petitions. The proposed changes aim to align the charter with Minnesota rules and streamline petition requirements for residents and staff. The council proceeded with the second reading and authorized summary publication of the ordinance, following previous steps including a public hearing and first reading.

Closure of the Shops at Lindale Municipal Liquor Store

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Burke [1:06:43] · Seconded by Unknown [1:06:47]

Council Member Hayford Deliri introduced the staff recommendation to close the Shops at Lindale Municipal Liquor Store due to 19 consecutive years of operating losses and projected financial deterioration. The closure, effective December 31, 2026, aims to avoid significant capital and maintenance investments at that location and redirect resources to the city's three remaining profitable liquor stores. Council members expressed gratitude for the detailed analysis and efforts to mitigate the impact on staff.

Sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Christensen [1:09:29] · Seconded by Unknown [1:09:50]

Council Member Christensen introduced a resolution for the sale of $3,960,000 in general obligation sales tax revenue bonds, Series 2026A. These bonds are designated to finance improvements to the Veterans Park Complex project. The Mayor acknowledged the careful planning involved in spreading out debt to maximize bond value.

Appointment of Youth Commissioners to Various Commissions

Approved Unanimously

Moved by Council Member Coleman Woods [1:11:34] · Seconded by Council Member Hayford Deliri [1:11:43]

Council Member Coleman Woods presented the recommended appointments of youth commissioners to city advisory boards. Rodrigo Bumin was appointed to the Human Rights Commission and Miranda Hernandez to the Community Services Commission for one-year terms expiring August 31, 2027. The Mayor expressed appreciation for the youth's willingness to serve and noted the importance of their participation.

Notable Quotes (8)

city staff annually review fees to determine if ch change charges for permits and services are appropriate. Staff want to ensure the costs of issuance for fees and permits reflect that staff time and costs related to performing the services associated with those fees.
— Council Member Coleman Woods [0:58:36]

Ordinance Amendment to Richfield City Code Appendix D (Fee Schedule)

And I want to thank the staff for the time they took to update everything because I know we've had discussions. This was like the third or fourth time we've seen all of this. So, it was good to go through it.
— Mayor Supple [1:01:29]

Ordinance Amendment to Richfield City Code Appendix D (Fee Schedule)

The proposed amendments would align the charter with petition form and content requirements established in Minnesota rules and reorganize the charter's petition requirements to make them easier for residents to use and for city staff to administer.
— Council Member Burke [1:01:54]

Ordinance Amending Richfield City Charter (Elections & Petition Requirements)

The recommendation is supported by several factors. First, the Shops at Lindale store had operating losses for 19 consecutive years, averaging $51,000 in annual losses from 2007 through 2023. Second, the store's recent and projected financial performance indicates a continued deterioration in operating results.
—

Ordinances & Resolutions (15)

Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) fundsGrant

Funds for an extension of a 4-year grant to fully fund an officer dedicated to DWI enforcement in Richfield.

Prime contract change order number 016Contract Amendment

Change order for the Woodlake Nature Center building project in the amount of $80,782.88.

Transitory ordinanceOrdinance

Providing funding for certain capital improvements from the liquor store liquor contribution special revenue fund (second reading).

Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) funds from the Minnesota Department of Public SafetyGrant

Funds for a 2027 enforcement grant.

Richfield City Code Appendix DOrdinance Amendment

Amendment to the fee schedule related to building, planning, and zoning fees.

Sections 4.05, 5.04, 5.05, 5.10, 5.12, and 5.15 of the Richfield City Charter

THE RICHFIELD RECORDER

Richfield Council Votes to Close Long-Struggling Municipal Liquor Store

Impact on City Finances and Staff

Other Topics from This Document

County Budget and Property Tax

Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) Stability

Transportation Projects and County-City Cost Participation

Affordable Housing and Economic Development Initiatives

Youth Crisis Stabilization and Community Services

Election Integrity and Community Engagement

Community Services and Arts Commission Reports

City Code and Charter Amendments

Youth Appointments to City Commissions

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Votes (6)

Notable Quotes (8)

Ordinances & Resolutions (15)

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