GF voters could decide sales tax question in November

Grand Forks voters could decide the fate of a ¾ percent sales tax as soon as November. If approved the tax would support quality of life projects including a children’s museum…aquatics center…and indoor turf facility.

The election date was mentioned during a joint meeting of the city council and Alerus Center Commission this afternoon (Monday).

The current tax targets bonds and capital improvement projects for the events center building. It is currently scheduled to sunset in 2029. If extended the tax would generate around $12.5 million dollars annually and support the Alerus Center to the tune of $3.7 million dollars each year. Without the added sales tax it’s estimated the Alerus Center could run out of CIP funding by 2043. The remaining dollars would go towards construction/operation of the targeted projects.

City Administrator Todd Feland says the council would need to approve preliminary design plans for the quality of life projects by September in order to meet the November election date. Mayor Brandon Bochenski says the goal is to generate more taxable sales which in turn helps all businesses

Some of those design packages could be ready by the end of the week.