Fargo, Cass County both planning to seek sales tax vote for flood protection

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FARGO - In a surprising twist, Fargo and Cass County representatives decided today that each body will be asked to approve half-percent sales taxes to help pay for a permanent flood control project for the Fargo-Moorhead area.

The decision came after a debate between the two sides on the merits of having Fargo enact the tax on its own, versus having a countywide vote.

The decision to seek two votes was forced because each side must put the issue on their agendas by Thursday, so that they can be voted on Monday. If approved, the measures would have to be submitted by April 9 to be put on the June ballot.

Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker said he believes city residents will overwhelmingly support a tax to protect the city, while there would be much more opposition to a countywide tax from cities not directly benefiting from a Red River diversion around Fargo.

Cass Commission Chairman Darrell Vanyo said a countywide sales tax would give county residents a say in whether they wish to pay the extra sales tax, rather than have it simply imposed on those who must shop in Fargo.

He said the county also wants special assessments to be included in the financing mix for a diversion, saying that it would put more of the burden on those who benefit from the diversion, and that sort of financing would be looked on more favorably by state lawmakers.

Officials opened the meeting after requests by The Forum to representatives of both bodies.

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