Update: City survey discusses extending Fargo’s infrastructure sales tax

FARGO (KVRR) – An online survey sponsored by the city of Fargo asks residents how they feel about extending a special 20-year-long infrastructure sales tax that’s set to expire in 2028.

The survey, which appears on social media, says “Since 2009, the city of Fargo has had a 1% sales tax dedicated to infrastructure projects such as streets, bridges, water treatment and sewers…would you support extending this tax?”

A follow-up question asks residents what factors would most influence their support of an extension. It does not ask why they would oppose an extension.

City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg says she was unaware that the survey was being conducted.

“First thing that comes to mind is who approves this and how much does this survey cost?” Turnberg said.

“The survey is intended solely to gather information to better understand residents’ perspectives on whether the tax should be extended,” according to a city spokesman.

“Some of the questions in the survey currently in circulation are meant to gauge public sentiment around a potential extension of the City’s 1% Infrastructure Sales Tax.”

The city currently collects a two-and-a-quarter percent local sales tax. One percent funds infrastructure improvements, one percent is for flood control and one-quarter percent is used to fund fire and police operations.

The infrastructure sales tax is set to expire in Dec., 2028. The flood control tax will expire in Dec., 2084. Collections from the quarter-cent public safety tax will expire in 2045.

In 2023, the Fargo City Commission unanimously approved a contract with survey company ZenCity for $99,858.50.