Letters to the Editor | August 5th, 2015
To the editor:
So how many new police officers can Fargo hire by eliminating the two-year property tax break for new homeowners? To think this community still has this tax break is mind binding. With local unemployment and interest rates well below five percent, new homes will sell without giving any special tax favors to the Home Builders Association.
The City Commission, the Park Board and the School Board can easily reduce their spending levels close to the rate of inflation or even a little above, but all three entities don’t have the backbone to say no to anyone asking for more spending. So when the City of Fargo forecasts revenues that will increase by 12 percent or four times inflation, nearly every board member is giddy and ready to go on a spending spree.
At least two commissioners have tried to reduce the property tax increases created by an increase in property assessments, but that’s only the city portion; the Park Board and School Board should try to do the same with a reduction in the mill levy, and they can start by eliminating the special tax break given to one industry that doesn’t need it.
Dave Engebretson
Fargo
June 19th 2025
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March 8th 2025
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