The Grand Forks council got its first look at a major portion of the proposed 2023 budget last night (Monday). The salary plan calls for a 4.13% increase in wages next year. The bump would cost the city around $1.75 million dollars.
Mayor Brandon Bochenski says the focus is to provide competitive pay to employees. “Anytime you lose service there is a cost to retrain and the losing of institutional knowledge. We’ve got a hard working dedicated staff. We did the best we could to raise wages without raising mills.”
The value of a mill is expected to climb by 4.69% next year. The overall preliminary general fund budget totals $45.8 million dollars – up 6.19% over the current year.
Final approval is not expected until mid-September.
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With some minor changes and additions the Grand Forks council approved a $5 million dollar letter of credit regarding the proposed Fufeng project. The money would act as an insurance policy of sorts to cover city costs if the corn milling plant pulls out of the deal. City Attorney Dan Gaustad says among the amendments is an automatic renewal clause designed to add more security to the city. The council approved the changes on a 5-1 vote.
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Without discussion the Grand Forks council gave final approval to a pair of new liquor licenses during Monday’s meeting.
Target is looking to open a bottle shop on 32nd Avenue South. Target Wine & Spirits would have a separate entrance to the existing store.
Members also approved a Class One license for the owners of Libre Bar & Nightclub at 3450 Gateway Drive. The establishment would be located on the site of the old Westward Ho building.
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