The Grand Forks council took a deeper dive into a proposed 2024 operating budget last night. The general fund portion of the spending plan totals $49.99 million dollars. That’s an increase of 8.4% over the current budget. The total budget exceeds $296 million.
As proposed the boost in spending is being covered by an increase in valuations offset by a slight mill reduction. Much of the discussion last night (Monday) centered around a proposed employee pay plan that includes a 2.5% annual step increase plus an inflationary bump that will cost the city $2.8 million dollars next year.
Mayor Brandon Bochenski says the city can afford the plan. “We are really approving this plan for one year. Next year we can certainly look at it again.”
Council Vice-President Bret Weber says coming up with a fair plan is key. “We are elected to set policy for the benefit of the taxpayer and provide a value. While some might take that to mean we should pay the absolute minimum – my sense is the silent majority want quality services with properly paid employees.”
The proposed budget would also boost utility fees an average of 4.57% in 2024…or the equivalent of $4.58 cents for the average user.
Preliminary budget approval is expected August 7th….final approval September 18th
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