Taxes to climb under revised budget plans

The Grand Forks County Commission has approved a 2023 budget – with taxes going up slightly.

County Auditor Deb Nelson says the General Fund portion of the budget totals over $25.8 million dollars.

Nelson says property taxes will climb 3.18 mills.  For the average Grand Forks owner of  a $200,000 home the county portion of their property tax bill will increase $28.62.

The budget includes a 3% step increase for employees…a 5% cost of living bump…and a one-dollar dollar hike per month for longevity pay.

Nelson says the budget uses some cash on hand to help balance the books.  The total Grand Forks County budget is around $45 million dollars.

— — —

Without discussion the East Grand Forks council approved a preliminary 2023 budget last night that includes a 19% tax levy boost to balance the books.
The spending plan climbs from $12.4 million to $13.1 million dollars next year. The levy hike is being blamed on escalating utility and workers comp rates plus planned increases in wages.
The preliminary budget was approved on a 5-2 vote.
The council set a budget hearing for December 6th.