The Grand Forks council received a first look at a proposed 2024 budget outline last night (Monday).
The plan calls for the general fund spending to climb 8.4% to just shy of $50 million dollars next year. While the proposed budget calls for a one-half mill decrease the additional dollars will come from new growth and valuation increases.
The package also suggests a new salary plan for employees. Two options are on the table at a cost of upwards of $2.8 million dollars. One plan includes 18 grade steps at 2.5% per year.
Council President Dana Sande says he’s not a fan of a step salary plan. “When we don’t know what our budgets are going to be in the future.”
Council member Bret Weber says the salary plan is simply a budgeting tool that will be reviewed each year.
Council member Danny Weigel questioned how the step system incorporates pay for performance to avoid creating “mediocrity” among employees.
Preliminary approval of the budget is expected August 7th – with the final O-K coming September 18th.
— — —
The Grand Forks council also approved a 50-50 cost share with the North Dakota DOT for design and engineering on a proposed interchange at 47th Avenue South and I-29. The price-tag for the work is around $3.5 million dollars. The project is still in the preliminary engineering stage where an environmental document is developed – and the interchange justification request is submitted.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
