Development News for West Fargo, North Dakota

West Fargo Approves 2027 Utility Rate Increases as Part of Long-Term Financial Plan

The City Commission reviewed and approved the proposed 2027 utility rates resolution. The rates presented are the third year of an original five-year plan. A change was made to the NE landfill rates, increasing them slightly to align with Fargo's rates and to preserve space, with higher charges for out-of-town commercial projects. Resident use of the landfill remains free. For a typical 4,000-gallon monthly usage, rates will increase by slightly over $5, and for 6,000 gallons, by slightly over $6. These increases are part of a long-term plan to ensure financial stability and transparency in utility rate adjustments.

West Fargo Authorizes Contract with Oracle NetSuite for Government ERP System

The City Commission authorized the finance director to execute a contract with Oracle NetSuite for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) government system. This follows an approved RFP process that yielded 13 submissions, narrowed down to three finalists. Oracle NetSuite was selected after demonstrations and reference checks. The implementation timeline is set for January 2028, allowing for design, configuration, and user acceptance testing. Concerns about the ease of customizing reports with Oracle and associated costs were addressed, with assurances that customization issues were troubleshot during demonstrations and reference checks. Commissioner Olsen moved to table the item due to insufficient time to review provided information, but the motion to table was ultimately rejected.

West Fargo Partners with Red River Valley Fair for America 250 Celebration, Approves $27,500 Investment

The City Commission considered a proposal to partner with the Red River Valley Fair for the America 250 celebration. This initiative aims to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary. Various North Dakota communities, including Bismarck, Mandan, Grand Forks, and Fargo, are planning similar celebrations. West Fargo lacks the staff capacity and funds for an independent community celebration. The Red River Valley Fair proposed two partnership options: Option One for $15,000 and Option Two for $27,500. Both options involve the fair providing a free admission day on July 4th, with Option Two including a drone show featuring the city's logo (350 drones). The commission debated the options, with Commissioner Anderson seeking clarification on whether free admission was tied to Option Two. Ultimately, the commission voted to approve Option Two for $27,500, with Commissioner Zundell recusing herself due to a conflict of interest.

West Fargo Approves Tobacco Ordinance Update

The City Commission approved the second reading of ordinance number 1278, related to tobacco products. The ordinance, unchanged since the first reading, aims to add additional statutory definitions and reclassify offenses based on the age of the offender. The ordinance was approved with a 4 to 1 vote.