GF looking to merge departments

Grand Forks is looking to further combine Planning and Community Development into a single department as part of a cost savings move.

The restructuring plan is being put into motion as a result of the pending retirement of Community Development Director Meredith Richards.

City Planner Ryan Brooks would oversee the new department. The organizational change is expected to save upwards of $130,000 dollars annually.

Council member Tricia Lunski questioned whether Brooks should be getting a pay bump along with his new duties. City Administrator Todd Feland says the current salary plan and grade scale takes the move into account.

The two departments have been co-located in City Hall for nearly ten years.