"On behalf of the taxpayer, I cannot vote for something that's 80% sales tax and 20% ultimately the Moorhead taxpayer," council member Matthew Gilbertson said.
While the city runs on a “lean budget,” council member Deb White said, people who are “struggling to make ends meet” have reached out to her with concerns about the increases.
“I think we are being fiscally responsible,” Mayor Chad Olson said. He is “confident” about where the city budget is at now that the final tax levy has been reduced from 11.44% to 8.53%.
The board, in a 4-1 vote, approved the hiring of Susan Faus on Tuesday, Dec. 12. She replaces former executive director Dave Leker, who was fired last June.
In a presentation to city commissioners, City Engineer Tom Knakmuhs said a public survey revealed that while a majority of people want a bridge built, "most are not willing to pay for a bridge."