Few speak at West Fargo budget hearing

WEST FARGO — The only resident to speak during the city of West Fargo's preliminary budget hearing said it appears the state's recent cap on property tax increases may create a learning curve for city staff, but the city has a "good budget" projected for 2026.

The North Dakota Legislature enacted a 3% cap on property tax increases earlier this year. When City Administrator Dustin Scott introduced the $71.6 million preliminary 2026 budget in July, he noted the budget would be balanced and no new staff would be added next year, a first for the city in at least five years.

The city will increase its property tax rate by about 3%, which accounts for new growth in West Fargo and equals the tax rate cap the Legislature imposed this year.

David Withee, a West Fargoan and member of the West Far