West Fargo sets 2021 budget hearing for Tuesday

The City of West Fargo is holding a 6 p.m. public hearing on the 2021 City of West Fargo budget at the Tuesday, Sept. 8, West Fargo City Commission meeting. During this meeting, the community can provide input on the proposed 2021 City of West Fargo budget.

The 2021 budget is the best projection of next year’s operating costs by the City Administrator and heads of the various City of West Fargo departments. The City of West Fargo’s revenues to cover the expenses to provide services come from multiple sources, including property taxes, sales taxes, special assessments, state and federal funding, public utilities and licenses and permits. For the 2021 fiscal year, the City of West Fargo’s proposed budget outlines $88,535,232 in expenses.

During the Aug. 3, 2020, West Fargo City Commission meeting, the West Fargo Board of City Commissioners approved a preliminary property tax revenue fund of $13,531,887, with a zero overall mill levy increase. This is a $504,298 increase over the 2020 budget and comes from an increase in new properties and property values in West Fargo. The 2021 budget also reflects expected changes in interest rates and state revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic, which will be funded with general fund reserves.

The budget also provides additional funding for the West Fargo Fire Department’s growth, restores funding for the West Fargo Public Library, cover the special assessments due for city-owned property and increase staffing and service levels. With a zero mill levy increase, property taxes increases will only occur for properties with increased property values.

Residents received notice of their estimated 2021 property taxes via a Cass County Consolidated Tax Estimate statement that was recently distributed. This statement estimates 2021 property taxes based on project mill rate levies from the City of West Fargo, Cass County, State Medical, County Soil Conservation, West Fargo Park District, West Fargo Public Schools and the Southeast Water Resource District. For details on how to read and understand your tax statement, please visit the Cass County Treasurer’s website.

Members of the public can attend and provide comment on the City of West Fargo’s budget at this hearing. The full, detailed 2021 preliminary budget is available on the Finance Department website. This meeting is not for residents to appeal or review the City Assessor’s determination of true and full value for a property. If a property owner believes the true and full value of their property is incorrect, they should contact the City Assessor’s office for a review.