East Grand Forks residents could find out next week what level of a tax “ask” could be on the ballot come fall. The city council is looking at a local sales tax to fund a series of Park and Rec projects.
The council asked staff to further research four options: a 1% increase or a 1.25% increase for either 20 or 30 years. The council has also considered a 1.5 percent plan.
Mayor Steve Gander says the results of a business survey that hit the streets this week could prove helpful.
The taxing options would generate between $14.83 million dollars and $28.9 million. Both numbers fall short of a consultants estimate for all needed improvements. Council member Brian Larson questioned whether fundraising – combined with reductions – could be used to meet anticipated revenues.
Parks Superintendent Reid Huttunen says consultants looked at all options when putting the project list together. “Taking all these arenas down and building something new…in looking at that we found the costs to be even more exorbitant…and with a higher cost less amenities.”
The council needs to settle on a specific taxing amount by the end of January in order to seek legislative support before placing the issue on the November ballot.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
