MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) – Things got heated at Monday night’s City Council meeting in Moorhead.
After two hours of debate, council members voted 6-2 to approve a preliminary 5.58% property tax hike to staff the fire department.
“I think that we all value our public safety. I am concerned about the cost,” Council Member Lisa Borgen said. “I’m concerned about adding that many new personnel in one year.”
Borgen and Council Member Sebastian McDougall voted against the levy.
Council members weighed three options to hire up to six new firefighters in 2026. The first three positions are fully funded.
The other three rely on grant funding, which is not guaranteed.
“I believe our firefighters deserve better. I believe our community deserves better,” Council Member Emily Moore said. “Our firefighters should not be second class citizens of public safety.”
The average homeowner can expect to pay an extra $124 annually, or about $10 a month.
Just last year the council approved a $24 million levy, increasing property taxes by nearly 5%.
“Can we please figure something out, move forward and listen to our subject-matter experts that we have right here in the City of Moorhead?” Mayor Shelly Carlson asked.
This nearly $27 million levy can be lowered when council members adopt the final budget in December. It can’t be increased. The council approves the final budget on Dec. 8.
The decision does not impact commercial and industrial properties.
“I don’t think it’s an either or,” Council Member Deb White said. “I think we need to take responsibility for looking at the needs of our city.”
Plans for a third fire station are in the works. Officials say they have Public Safety Aid funding from the state, likely to be approved in December, as well.
