FARGO, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney’s preliminary 2025 budget proposal includes a $13 million increase, representing an 11.5% rise with a 5% cost of living adjustment for city employees. A key issue is funding this pay hike, as the city has historically allocated two mills to Hector International Airport. Due to the airport’s projected 2025 budget surplus, Mayor Mahoney suggested cutting or eliminating these funds.
Commissioners John Strand and Dave Piepkorn opposed this, arguing that the city should maintain its financial support, especially during the airport’s parking ramp and expansion projects. Commissioner Denise Kolpack emphasized that the mills were not guaranteed, and the airport should not rely on them. She supports the pay increase but prefers finding savings elsewhere rather than raising taxes. Commissioner Michelle Turnberg also supports the 5% increase and, along with Piepkorn, called for spending cuts across departments, including potentially reducing funding for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department.
The budget will undergo further discussions and adjustments before final approval in the coming weeks.