GF voters to decide quality of life funding

Grand Forks voters will get a chance to decide extending a .75% sales tax in November for so-called quality of life projects. The city council last night (Monday) gave preliminary approval to ballot language and setting the special election date for November 14th.

The city is floating the idea of a $100 million dollar aquatics center and indoor turf facility. Right now the tax supports the Alerus Center and is scheduled to sunset in 2029. An analysis suggests the aquatics and turf facility would need additional revenues to cover annual operating deficits.

Several council members voiced support for the project.  City Attorney Dan Gaustad says setting the election is the next step in the process and does not decide the actual project itself.  The council is expected to finalize the election date next week.

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The City of Grand Forks received a single bid on work to fix a crack in the permanent levee system. The U.S. Corps of Engineers discovered the defect during a spot inspection this spring. The crack is on the wet side of the flood wall near the Sorlie Bridge. The repair will cost $96,280 dollars – nine-percent over engineer estimates. The work is expected to be completed by November 1st.