Fargo City Commissioner proposing more cuts to 2025 budget [Video]

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – The Fargo City Commission is scheduled to vote to approve the preliminary budget as the final budget for 2025 at its regular meeting on Monday, September 30. However, one city commissioner is proposing more cuts.

According to the meeting agenda, Commissioner John Strand is proposing to trim 3 more full time positions, phase out several committees and boards, and cut funding from several organizations to add more police officers and give raises to city employees.

The proposal recommends to “sunset” the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee, Police Advisory and Oversight Board, Community Development Committee, Parking Commission and Auditorium Commission. It also asks to eliminate the administrative Office of Strategic Planning and Research, which was created in 2018.

Finally, Strand’s amended budget proposal includes the addition of 2-4 new sworn police officers to the Downtown Community Engagement Team, at the expense of cutting funds from several …