EGF sets preliminary budget levy

On a split vote the East Grand Forks council approved a preliminary 2024 budget last night (Tuesday) that calls for an 11% levy increase next year.

The council will now spend the next few months trying to reduce that figure. The original target was a 5% increase next year. At that level the city would need to dip into its budget reserve to the tune of $370,000.

Council member Clarence Vetter was one of three members who cast a “no” vote.  “This is a little high for my taste.  I would like to see it 8% and work down from there.”

Right now the budget totals some $13.6 million dollars. A budget hearing is set for December 5th.
—
In other council notes members also approved new fees for building permits. It’s been ten years since the last increase. Through August of this year the city has issued 175 permits of all types.