EGF eyes 8% levy increase in 2022

East Grand Forks staff are floating the idea of an eight percent levy increase in 2022 to help balance the city’s budget.  Previously the council has hinted at a five percent bump next year.

The hike would generate over $457,000 dollars in new money next year.  It would still leave the city short to the tune of $227,000 dollars.

Mayor Steve Gander says the eight-percent figure is a gross levy increase and is not what property owners would see on their tax bills.

Council member Clarence Vetter says he’s not a fan of the levy plan.  “We have already raised everyone by 7.3% with fees to the sanitary and storm sewer and the increase to the Greenway fee.”

The preliminary levy needs to be set by September 30th.  It also gives the city an idea of what the impact would be to taxpayers.  Final budget approval would come in December.