EGF to wrestle with rising budget costs in 2023

An early snapshot of the 2023 budget process for East Grand Forks provided a little bit of sticker shock for council members this week.

Finance Director Karla Anderson says planned increases in wages and insurance combined with hikes in workers comp rates and utility costs are adding up.  Anderson says without changes the city could be faced with a 19 to 20 percent tax levy to balance the books.

Mayor Steve Gander says he has no doubt that the administration and department heads will look for savings wherever possible.  “Keep in mind we are not just going to kick the can and start deferring maintenance and let it pile up on the backside and the try to catch up 1…2…3…4…5 years from now.”

The 2022 general fund budget totals some $12.4 million dollars.  Next year’s spending plan won’t be finalized until December.

(KNOX) – ENTER YOUR STORY HERE. Click the image on the left to replace. Be sure to use MEDIUM size and choose left alignment. Don’t forget to also add the image in featured media and select no image.