West Fargo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of West Fargo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Employee Health Benefits
The city reviewed its 2027 health, dental, vision and ancillary benefits. Reduced health insurance costs could affect the city's 2027 budget, though that related item was pulled from the agenda.
Main library lease with West Fargo Public Schools
The satellite branch wrapped its first year with 5,102 visits, 7,315 checkouts, and 105 new library cards — and patrons seem happy. That's a strong signal the smaller express-style location is earning its keep.
Final 2027 library budget
The city's 2027 final budget was up for review and approval — it shapes next year's services, staffing and tax levy.
Ordinance No. 1286 — liability of owners and occupants for services
The second reading of Ordinance No. 1286, dealing with owner and occupant liability for services, was scheduled.
2026 Special Assessment Districts 1345, 1353 and 2290
The commission was scheduled to hold public hearings and vote on confirming special assessment lists for two new water/sewer/street districts and a 2025 mill and overlay district. Property owners in those districts could see assessments on their property tax bills.
2025 City Audit
The 2025 audit was scheduled for presentation by Eide Bailly, giving the public a look at the city's financial health.
2027 City Budget
The first drafts of the 2027 preliminary and final budgets were scheduled for hearing and review, setting the stage for next year's taxes and services.
Proposed Bylaw Changes
The board reviewed possible changes to its bylaws, following up on July's discussion of officer duties and membership requirements. A final draft will come back for a vote at the September 10 meeting.
Preliminary budget and Sept. 8 hearing
The commission was to approve the preliminary budget and set a public budget hearing for Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. This is the first public step in deciding how tax dollars are spent.
Draft 2027 preliminary budget
City Administrator Dustin Scott was scheduled to present the first draft of the 2027 preliminary budget — an early look at next year's spending, services and potentially taxes.
2027 Preliminary Budget
City Administrator Dustin Scott was scheduled to present the first draft of the 2027 preliminary budget — an early look at next year's spending, services and potentially taxes.
Oracle NetSuite government ERP contract
The city was set to authorize a contract for the Oracle NetSuite government ERP system — the software that runs the city's finances and back-office operations.
New board member appointment process
The board talked about how it selects new members and reviewed the application community members fill out. No changes were adopted yet.
Economic Development Sales Tax Fund Policy
Mayor Eric Gjerdevig proposed having staff work up policy options for how the city's economic development sales tax money gets used. This could shape how sales tax dollars residents already pay are invested in local growth.
Public Works self-performance lawsuit and assessment costs
The city built the 2025 mill and overlay with its own crews and equipment, charging no labor or equipment costs, cutting assessments to roughly $1,520 per unit. Contractors — AGC, Brad Schmidt and Steve Marco — sued, arguing such work must be competitively bid; the case is now before the North Dakota Supreme Court. The outcome could determine whether this cost-saving method can ever be used again.
Oracle NetSuite ERP Contract
The city's plan to buy a new finance software system was put on hold pending legal review.
Zencity Communications Software
A three-year contract with Zencity Technologies gives the city resident-feedback and communications analytics tools; it passed 4-1.
Commission Governance Policy
A draft governance policy for the commission was discussed with no action taken.