GF reviews special sales tax election

Grand Forks voters can expect to vote on extending a three-quarter percent sales tax in November.

The indoor turf and aquatics facility would be located near the Alerus Center at a cost in excess of $100 million dollars. The current tax supports the events center building and is scheduled to sunset in 2029.

City Administrator Todd Feland says the goal is to bring additional information to the council regarding the so-called Quality of Life projects on August 28th – including ballot language and a discussion with bond counsel. Feland says depending upon council action there are three potential election dates….  “We need 60 days to get this on so September 5th approval would mean a September 14th vote.  A September 11th special council meeting would get us to November 21st.  Finally a September 18th council committee meeting would get us to November 28th.”

Mayor Brandon Bochenski says working within the framework of the current sales tax seems to make the most sense.  “If we want to continue to be that hub we need to be a regional driver in amenities and this is a piece of that puzzle.”

One of the unknowns is how to support the ongoing costs of the facilities. In addition to user fees and naming rights there is also the possibility of an additional one-quarter percent hospitality tax that’s up for discussion.