Budget for 2026 and making the mayor’s job full-time pass Fargo City Commission 3-2

FARGO, N.D.(KVRR) —  As Fargo City Commissioners voted to approve a balanced $140.6 million budget for 2026, they also voted to make the mayor’s position full-time starting in June 2026.

That is when the election will be held for the city’s next mayor.

The votes were 3-2 with Commissioners Michelle Turnberg and Dave Piepkorn both voting no.

To balance the budget, the city will make job cuts, the majority of which are currently unfilled.

They will increase rates for MATBUS, waste and recycling.

There is also a small property tax increase since this budget cycle was limited to a 3% adjusted levy increase mandated by the legislature.

The budget also includes $5.8 million from the voter approved Public Safety Sales Tax.

“Long term a little concerned about the decrease in capital investments that will be a long term issue, I’m glad I don’t have to do the budget next year. I just think that the warning out there is that we really are holding tight on our capital investments and that will be the difficulty a large city has is to keep up with all the technology, software and equipment that you need.,” said Mahoney, who is in his final term as mayor.

The commission also approved MATBUS’ elimination of Route 16 and Industrial Park On-Demand Service.

The West Acres Mall station will not be removed and it will remain in service.