Preliminary 2025 Budget Worth $133 Million Passed By Fargo City Commission 3-2

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Fargo City Commission last night approved a revised preliminary 2025 budget by a vote of 3-2, but not without some opposition.

Mayor Tim Mahoney made some changes to his earlier budget plan.

It seeks $133 million, up over 11% from the 2024 budget.

He says the city budget team has methodically gone through the financial statements “line by line” looking for savings.

But Commissioners John Strand and Dave Piepkorn voted against the preliminary budget.

Piepkorn made it clear more cuts should be made.

“I do not support the budget. I want to see some cuts. Every department there’s places you can cut. There is no, no effort to reduce in one department. That’s pathetic,” said Piepkorn.

“But at least we’re not raising taxes for this budget cycle. I think that’s what I overwhelmingly hear from people is they don’t want their taxes going up,” said Michelle Turnberg, Fargo City Commissioner.

The final budget must be completed on or before October 7.