GF council rejects health coverage for elected officials

The Grand Forks council approved a 2022 operating budget last night that keeps property taxes flat and raises utility rates less than 1%.

Before approving the $216 million dollar plan members rejected a $45,000 item that would have granted health insurance to elected officials.

Council member Kyle Kvamme says the small stipend could encourage more people to run for public office.

Council President Dana Sande argued against the line item expense.  “Our community desperately needs people who are civic minded.  What we need is the right people to run not more running and I don’t think offering health insurance does that.”

The budget also includes a $6,500 dollar increase in pay for the mayor and a $2,200 dollar bump for the municipal judge.

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