EAST GRAND FORKS — East Grand Forks Mayor Mark Olstad suggested the City Council set the preliminary budget’s tax levy at 12%, with the goal of a finalized levy of 7%, during a work session on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

City Administrator Reid Huttunen said the council can reduce the preliminary levy to the finalized version, but can’t increase it. The preliminary budget, presented with a 3% levy, shows a deficit of about $789,000, which is subject to change.

“We certainly still have some variables with union negotiations and final health insurance costs which are going to impact that,” he said.

The 2026 preliminary budget was the key topic during the council’s work session, presented by Huttunen and Finance Director Karla Anderson. Huttunen said there will need to be a resolution brought forwar

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