East Grand Forks council adopts 8% levy increase and 2026 budget after brief debate

The East Grand Forks City Council voted Dec. 16 to adopt an 8% increase to the 2025 tax levy, collectible in 2026, and to approve the city's 2026 budget.

Councilors debated the levy before voting. Council member Dale Helms said he would vote no and said he preferred a smaller increase, referring to an earlier mayoral suggestion of roughly 4%: "I'm gonna be vote no on this... it's just it's too high." Council member Kaysme said the jump to 8% was startling and warned it would burden senior residents, noting his own state retirement increase of 1.75% as a comparison.

City staff told the council that union contract costs are tied into the levy and budget numbers presented and that tentative agreements have been reached with some bargaining units. A city staff speaker summarized that the budget includes amounts reflecting two tentative union agreements and estimates for the two remaining negotiations.

After discussion, the council approved Resolution 25-12-94 (the 8% levy increase) on a roll-call vote and then adopted Resolution 25-12-95, the 2026 budget and authorizing financial activities. Both motions were moved and seconded as recorded in the meeting minutes. The levy resolution passed with five votes in favor and two opposed; the budget passed with the same margin.

The council did not postpone the measures; they were approved as presented and will appear in the city's tax and fiscal documents for 2026. The council noted that final union contract ratifications could require slight adjustments when those agreements are finalized.

The council adjourned after completing the evening's business; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026.