No one addressed the 2024 Grand Forks city budget during last night’s (Monday) hearing on the spending plan. The general fund portion of next year’s budget totals $49.9 million dollars.
Mayor Brandon Bochenski says for the fourth year in a row the city has been able to reduce the overall mill levy. Bochenski says the budget has three pillars that are highlighted: public safety…infrastructure…and people.
Despite the mill decrease property taxes will go up as the value of the mill climbs to $277,250 dollars – an increase of 8.68%. Over 6% of that comes through revaluation of property which equates to a $2.11 per month increase for every $100,000 dollars in residential value.
Council member Danny Weigel says he hopes during the coming year that additional conversation can be held concerning the employee pay plan. “As we continue to look at the salary plan that I do believe there has to be a component of performance ties into that.”
The budget will also boost utility fees $4.58 for the average residential user. The total budget comes in at $296 million dollars.
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Grand Forks is one step closer to allowing pedal pubs on city streets.
The city council gave the first reading to an ordinance last night (Monday) that would allow patrons of multi passenger bikes to consume alcohol while providing the pedal power as long as a designated driver steers the vehicle.
The multi-passenger bicycle would travel at a max speed of 6 mph. Supporters say it’s another tourism tool that would boost the downtown economy.
A second reading by the council is expected on October 2nd.
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