Few residents speak during public hearing for Fargo's 2026 budget

FARGO — Few members of the public weighed in on the city of Fargo’s preliminary budget during the public hearing Monday, Sept. 15.

However, how the city spends its money was a topic of debate among the two residents who shared their thoughts with the Fargo City Commission.

On Aug. 4, commissioners approved a $140.2 million preliminary budget that includes a 3% cost-of-living raise for staff, an increase in garbage rates for residents and a host of expense cuts across city government.

Fargo resident Christopher Coen expressed his concern Monday that the spending cuts included in the 2026 preliminary budget disproportionately impacted “vulnerable populations” and minorities.

In particular, Coen highlighted the cuts to Matbus services while the city’s financial contributions to Hector Int