Fargo to vote on tax increase for flood control

Fargo voters are deciding if the city sales tax should go up to pay for flood protection.

A half-cent sales tax increase is on the ballot today, which would raise an estimated $200 million over 20 years. Former Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness says the city needs to have a funding source before flood prevention projects can move ahead.

"I do think we have to do something different than what we're doing right now in terms of flood control," he said. "I don't think we can go through many more episodes like we just went through this past spring. People are tired of it, they're worn out and we might not always be so successful. We just have to find another way."

It's estimated half of the sales tax proceeds would come from people who live outside of Fargo but shop in the city.

Furness thinks that's fair since he says flood protection for Fargo will benefit the entire region. He's one of three former mayors advocating for the increase.

If Fargo voters approve the increase, the local sales tax will be 7 cents on a dollar.

The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to develop flood control options for Fargo Moorhead by later this year.

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