Voters To Decide Whether To Merge Two Minnesota Towns

THOMSON, Minn. (AP) - Residents of two Duluth-area towns affected by a major flood last year will get to vote this week on whether the small communities should merge, saving costs on everything from city councils to election expenses.

A report says the town of Carlton pitched in when its neighbors in Thomson were hit by the flood. Carlton residents offered shelter, resources and aid.

That level of cooperation led to the idea that the towns merge to help consolidate services. Voters in both communities will have the chance to weigh in Tuesday.

The new city would be called Carlton. The communities would share emergency services and could merge administrative services.

Carlton has 864 residents. Thomson has 159 residents.