FARGO, N.D. — The Fargo City Commission met to go over the mayor’s preliminary budget for next year. Some of the highlights of the budget include permanent flood protection, a new water treatment plant, and code enforcement in neighborhoods. Many firefighters filled the room at today’s meeting. They were asking for a raise so their salaries would better compare with those…
A new TSA proposal could do away with security at some airports. The plan would only affect about 150 small-to medium-sized airports across the country, not including Hector International Airport. “I think it’s a mistake. I think there has to be a continued surveillance, not because the danger is always there, but because people make mistakes,” Michael Yellowbird, a frequent flyer,…
FARGO, N.D. — Mayor Tim Mahoney’s preliminary 2019 budget for the city of Fargo includes an increase in spending. The budget is two percent higher than this year’s budget, or a little over $2 million more. Mahoney’s proposal includes money to battle the opioid crisis, the Red River Valley Water Supply Project and the police department’s lease of Border States Electric…
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Two state agencies may soon run out of money to fix Minnesota’s new driver registration platform. Minnesota’s Information Technology Services and the Department of Public Safety are tasked with fixing MNLARS. The computer system has struggled with bugs and errors since its launch last summer. The agencies told lawmakers in a report this week that the…
BISMARCK, N.D. — Oil and gas tax collections in North Dakota are running 25 percent above forecast due to rebounding crude prices. A report by the Legislature’s research arm shows oil and gas revenue is $1.6 billion for the current two-year budget cycle that began in July. That’s $323 million more than initial estimates. Oil prices are a key contributor…
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a Republican-backed ultrasound abortion bill. It would have required Minnesota physicians to tell pregnant women they have the option of viewing an ultrasound before having an abortion. The bill passed the Legislature largely on party lines last week. Dayton said he objected to interfering with the doctor-patient relationship. Republican leaders say…
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Just like they started the session, Minnesota’s Legislature is entering the homestretch with a long to-do list. But now they have just over a week to finish it. Republicans who control the Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton are at odds on how to restructure Minnesota’s tax code, how to change health care programs and whether to…
FARGO, N.D. — We may be ready for spring, but Fargo Public Works says when more snow falls, they are ready to cater to the community. The director of operations says each year they have a certain budget for purchasing supplies such as sand and salt. So don’t worry. Even though we’re seeing snow in April, they are still within…
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Mark Dayton isn’t ready to start laying out specific plans for using a $329 million budget surplus. State budget officials delivered the good news of a surplus after previous indications that the Legislature may have to fill a budget shortfall. But the Democratic governor called the surplus modest and cautioned lawmakers against overspending. Dayton says…
BISMARCK, ND — Bismarck city officials have found some funding to take in the homeless for a short period of time. The city commission says $10,000 in funding can be used to help shelter the homeless in the community for about 20 nights. The city’s only emergency shelter for men closed on October 27 and the United Way has…
