EGF to push 1.25% sales tax plan

East Grand Forks has settled on a tax plan to pay for planned Park and Rec improvement projects.

In a narrow vote last night (Tuesday) the city council agreed to support a 1.25% sales tax over 20 years to renovate ice arenas and baseball facilities.  Last week Mayor Steve Gander vetoed a similar tax plan stretched over 30 years.  Gander says reducing the length of the tax is something he can get behind.

Council President Mark Olstad made the motion on the size of tax “ask” saying it’s time to act.

Council member Clarence Vetter suggested the city needed sharpen its pencil on the project price-tag or face defeat at the ballot box in November.  Vetter pointed to a survey of 51 business owners conducted by The Chamber.  “Thirty-seven opposed any of these improvements and 57% oppose a sales tax to pay for them.”

Before placing the issue on the ballot the city will need to obtain legislative support.  The council moved the tax forward on a 4-3 vote.