FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) – In November, voters added a quarter cent sales tax increase, to help funding for public services in the city of Fargo.
Inside the City Commission chambers on Wednesday, May 14, officials detailed exactly how they plan to spend that money.
Fargo Fire Department Chief Steve Dirksen was grateful to see the influx of funds to his department, as was Police Chief David Zibolski.
One of the primary goals of budget allocators was to bring salaries for both departments more in line with regional averages. That means an increase to starting pay for prospective recruits – but also a raise for current police officers and firefighters.
“Our sworn fire employees will receive an average market adjustment of 7 percent,” explained Human Resources Director Jill Minette, “and our sworn police employees will see an average market adjustment of 5 percent.”
In addition, the departments will have more money for technological upgrades and refurbishments to existing facilities – like the FFD’s burn building.
“It’s almost 60 years old – it was built in 1966. It’s getting to the point where it’s not that safe for us to even train in any longer,” explained Chief Dirksen.
That’s all part of the plan to utilize the revenue from this sales tax – which analysts believe will end up not costing the city any additional money.
They say clarity is key when the public is clamoring to know exactly how their tax dollars will be spent.
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