FARGO (KFGO) – Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney presented his 2025 preliminary budget to the city commission.
The budget includes a proposed $13-million dollar, 11.5% budget increase with a 5% cost of living adjustment for city employees. A major part of the discussion was how to fund that pay increase, and whether to do it by not funding Hector Airport.
The city has given the airport two mills for years, but because of the airport’s estimated 2025 budget surplus and cash on hand, Mahoney suggested not giving it the mills, or cutting back. Commissioners John Strand and Dave Piepkorn agree with a pay increase, but not with pulling funding from the airport. They contend the city should follow through with its commitment to helping the airport while it is in the early stages of a parking ramp and expansion that the city encouraged.
Commissioner Denise Kolpack says the mills aren’t a guarantee for the airport and its budget shouldn’t assume that money. She would like to see an increase for employees, but not by raising taxes.
Commissioner Michelle Turnberg supports a 5% increase for employees, and, along with Piepkorn, cuts in spending.
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