FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) — Fargo City Commissioners are delaying any action on making the mayor full-time or adding two commissioners, until next month.
City staff presented findings of research into what steps would need to be taken and the impact on the budget.
Commissioners can vote to make the mayor’s position full-time.
Right now the mayor’s position is only part-time and the pay is low compared with cities of comparable size like Sioux Falls.
But adding two commissioners would require a public vote to amend the home rule charter.
The public could vote on the mayor’s position but it would be an advisory vote.
“If you add new commissioners and a full-time mayor, your taxes are either going to go up or we’re going to reduce spending in other departments. There are no other options. There is no magic money tree where wonderful ideas are funded from the magic money tree,” said City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn.
Commissioners decided to table the motions for 30 days so they can get more public input.
The next city election will be held in June 2026.
If they approve making the mayor a full-time position, it would begin after that mayor is elected.
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