Tense moments during preliminary budget talks at Moorhead City Council

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Tensions ran high during discussions about the preliminary budget and the hiring of additional firefighters at Moorhead City Council.

After two hours of back and forth, the council voted 6-2 for what they are calling budget proposal levy scenario 3.

It would cap a raise of Moorhead property taxes by 5.58% while council members and city staff continue to workshop to find cuts.

The different proposals include funding for three additional firefighters and different ways to pay for the positions.

There is concern about dipping into the city’s reserves and possibly losing a bond rating.

The city is considering relying on a federal grant called “Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response”.

“The request that we put in for three firefighters this year is the first incremental step in moving forward with first of all staffing the ladder truck for a need that we have now,” said Moorhead Fire Chief Jeff Wallin.

At one moment, Mayor Shelly Carlson and Council Member Deb White had a tense back and forth.

WHITE: “We all, it’s tense. CARLSON: “Do you want me to call you out of order? WHITE: “It’s tense and I’m just asking…” CARLSON:”I have not called on you.” WHITE: “…you to speak respectfully. Let’s all take a deep breath.”

Earlier she admonished council members for disrespecting the budget work of city staff including the fire chief.

“By questioning him, by questioning our finance director and how she came with these numbers is offensive,” Carlson told the council.

The city still has some time to make changes to the proposed $51.5 million operating budget.

The final budget must be approved by December 8.