Fargo City Commission Passes 2025 Budget On A 3-2 Vote After Heated Discussion

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo City Commission votes three to two to approve Mayor Tim Mahoney’s $133 million 2025 budget after some heated debate at a packed city hall.

Commissioners Michelle Turnberg and Dave Piepkorn voted against the budget.

They along with Commissioner John Strand wanted to make more cuts after previously cutting D-E-I and unfilled jobs at Fargo Cass Public Health.

But Strand eventually relented and backed the mayor.

The budget includes a 4.5% cost-of-living increase for city employees and no increase in property taxes.

A number of people got up to address the commission and speak for the departments and programs that were targeted by some commission members to be cut.

“Everybody up here tonight wants something out of this …my money…not their money, my money. They want to spend my money. You have a ball spending our money,” said Ron Gilmore, Fargo Resident.

“We have a budget that is balanced and does not increase tax on our residents, it delivers. It’s time for all of us to put down our political considerations and aspirations. I ask that you carefully consider your next actions and remember we were elected to be leaders in this community,” said Mayor Mahoney.

The deadline for the final approval of the budget is October 7th.