FARGO – (KFGO/KVRR) – On a 3 to 2 vote, Fargo city commissioners approved Mayor Tim Mahoney’s $133 million 2025 budget for next year after some heated debate in the packed City Hall.
Commissioners Michelle Turnberg and Dave Piepkorn voted against the budget.
They along with Commissioner John Strand wanted to make more cuts after previously cutting D-E-I and unfilled jobs at Fargo Cass Public Health.
But Strand eventually shifted his position and backed the mayor’s budget.
The budget includes a 4.5% cost-of-living increase for city employees and no increase in property taxes.
Fargo resident Ron Gilmore was among those who addressed the commission to speak for the departments and programs that were targeted by some commissioners to be cut. Gilmore said he was disgusted claiming Mayor Mahoney was protecting his ego and legacy. Gilmore said they kicked the can down the road every year knowing about the coming funding problems but had done nothing about it but spend more money.
Mayor Mahoney said they have a balanced budget and don’t increase taxes for residents. Once again, he explained that the city finances have not been “downgraded” but rather it has a “negative outlook that is something that Moody’s says look at and try to correct.”
The deadline for the final approval of the budget is October 7th
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