Mayor Mahoney Presents 2025 Preliminary Budget Setting Off Dispute Over Airport Funding

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Mayor Tim Mahoney’s preliminary 2025 budget for Fargo includes a proposed $13 million, 11.5% budget increase with a 5% cost of living adjustment for city employees.

A major part of the discussion was how to fund that pay increase.

The city has given Hector International Airport two mills for years, but because of the airport’s estimated 2025 budget surplus and cash on hand, Mahoney suggested not giving it the mills, or cutting back.

Commissioners John Strand and Dave Piepkorn disagreed.

They contend the city should follow through with its commitment to helping the airport while it is in the early stages of a parking ramp and expansion that the city encouraged.

Commissioner Denise Kolpack says the mills aren’t a guarantee for the airport and its budget shouldn’t assume that money. She would like to see an increase for employees, but not by raising taxes.

Commissioner Michelle Turnberg supports a 5% increase for employees, and, along with Piepkorn, cuts in spending.

“Where are the spending reductions? Every department has potential areas where they can reduce spending, I don’t see one. And so I expect to see that as well,” said Piepkorn.

Two commissioners suggested looking at cutting the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department.

The 2025 budget will be discussed and tweaked before final passage in a number of weeks.