FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – After more than an hour of heated discussions between city commissioners and community members, the City of Fargo’s final budget for 2025 has been approved.

On Monday, September 30, Mayor Tim Mahoney and commission members gathered to have the final discussion on the budget, which proposes nearly $133 million in general fund spending for 2025, an 11 percent increase by compared to last year.

Before tonight’s meeting, one commissioner was proposing deeper cuts than the budget required. John Strand’s amended budget aimed to swear in new police officers to the downtown community engagement team, at the cost of cutting funds or positions in several non-essential services.

Several members of these organizations and Fargo residents spoke out against Strand’s ideas.

“The Downtown Engagement Center was a response to a need in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and eliminating this funding will remove one of the few places to divert someone from a very broken system,” Fargo resident Summer Sturlaugson said. .

His amended budget received no second thoughts from any of his fellow commissioners and was not adopted.

Some, however, explained how the initially proposed reductions could potentially benefit the city of Fargo. Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack said, “Every department has gone back and made more cuts, cuts that are being felt. They submitted policy recommendations to the city administration and budget team for consideration. Yes, it was done to challenge, but in the end, the recommendations balance the budget.

At the end of the discussion, Commissioner Strand ultimately agreed to support the mayor’s budget, with a 3-2 vote in favor.

Commissioners Dave Piepkorn and Michelle Turnberg voted against.

As required by state law, the final budget must be complete and sent no later than October 7, 2024.

Hours after the meeting, Tania Blanich, executive director of The Arts Partnership, sent a message about the rejected budget cuts:

“With a collective sigh of relief, the local arts sector can take a deep breath. We are clear!

During tonight’s City Commission meeting, Fargo city leaders rejected proposed budget cuts that would have put our entire $90,000 in funding at risk.

This is obviously very, very good news.

Best of all, it was the vital energy of support I felt from all of you who stood alongside the local arts sector. Thank you to everyone who sent emails, posted on social media, and showed up this evening to support our community. Your representation mattered to our community in a powerful and lasting way.

From TAP Board Chairman Cairn Reisch:

It was incredible to see so many supporters come together to show the value and impact of TAP. You can’t set foot in Fargo without being touched by art and tonight you all inspired me as to why we do this work. THANKS!

While we hope to never find ourselves in a situation like this again, The Arts Partnership board and staff are prepared to lead local arts advocacy efforts in a way that cultivates community and creates harmony for all of us.»

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