FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – Intense debate over special assessments at Monday’s Fargo City Commission.
Mayor Tim Mahoney and Commissioner Dave Piepkorn clashed with Commissioner Tony Gehrig who is upset about the 1% charge added to property owners’ special assessments. It’s meant to be a contingency to cover any delinquent assessment payments but Gehrig says its unnecessary and has said the city transfers that 1% is transferred to the city’s general fund which he says is “sneaky” and has referred to the policy as “money laundering.”
Mayor Mahoney interrupted Gehrig, saying he resented Gehrig’s claim, calling it “false” because the city is following state law when it makes those transfers.
Commissioner Dave Piepkorn told Gehrig his claim the transfer of some city funds was “money laundering” was “irresponsible” and that he should be careful about what he says. Piepkorn told him to quit making comments like this…” otherwise shut up.” Gehrig says he plans to introduce an ordinance to drop the 1% charge.