West Fargo won't add staff in 2004 to keep property taxes down, but some city employees worry they may be overworked.
The City Commission met Thursday to discuss the preliminary budget, which calls for a slight tax increase and a $1 garbage rate hike.
City Auditor Jim Brownlee said West Fargo can get by for another year without additional staff, but next year new hires will likely be included in the budget.
The proposed budget calls for a 4-mill increase in West Fargo's tax levy, or an $18 increase on a $100,000 home.
Last year, property taxes were increased by $34 for a $100,000 home.
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Garbage rates will be increased for the first time since 1991. Charging residents $1 extra on each bill will generate about $60,000 a year, Brownlee said.
The Public Works department will begin studying utility rates this winter to determine if other increases are needed.
Additional money from rate increases could pay for more employees, Brownlee said.
But Planning Director Larry Weil said increased demand from a growing community is spreading some departments too thin.
"I think we're all just managing. It's a strain on the existing staff," Weil said. "We feel that we've got the demand now for additional staff, as do other departments."
The proposed budget totals nearly $16.6 million, up from 2003's budget of $16.4 million.
A public hearing for the West Fargo budget is planned for the commission's Sept. 29 meeting. The deadline for the budget's final approval is Oct. 1.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
