Fargo Mayor releases 2026 preliminary budget proposal for the city

FARGO, N.D (KVRR) — The City of Fargo presented it’s 2026 preliminary budget to both the public and commissioners, late Monday morning.

This year’s budget was complicated by the new state law capping property tax revenue.

The preliminary budget contains a 3 percent cost of living adjustment as well as cutting over $4.5 million in operation and personnel costs.

With the vote on the preliminary budget scheduled for Monday evening, Commissioner Dave Piepkorn said that the time between him receiving the preliminary budget and the vote gives little time to look at the bill.

Mayor Mahoney responded by reminding the commissioner that it is a preliminary budget and that there is still time for changes to be made before it is finalized.

Mahoney also touted the fact that the budget doesn’t dip into reserve funds to remain balanced.

Other changes the preliminary budget proposes is a $2 increase in residential garbage and recycling pickup, as well as changing the office of mayor from a part-time to full-time position.

“For anybody who gets into this position, it is a full-time position. You do a lot of work within the city 24/7. And I just put it out there. If the commissioners don’t want to do it, they don’t have to,” Mahoney said. “If they’d like to do it, they can. But it’s really time to recognize the city of Sioux Falls pays their mayor $139,000. Full-time mayor. So you got to recognize that for this position, and what you expect of your mayor, you need to pay somebody for the work they do.”

The preliminary budget passed 3-2 with Commissioners Piepkorn and Michelle Turnberg voting against it.

A public hearing on the budget is set for September 15.