Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 04.14.2025
In case you missed the April 14, 2025, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
Dustin Halsne is Recognized as Fargo Solid Waste's 2025 Rising Star Award Winner
At opening of the April 14 City Commission meeting, the Solid Waste Department was featured; Solid Waste is responsible for managing all aspects of Fargo’s waste collection, disposal and recycling. Every week, Solid Waste drivers make their way through our neighborhoods to do the essential work of collecting our trash and recyclables. Our crews pick up waste at 7,000households per day. In total, Solid Waste staff members serve 29,000 residential accounts and 1,000 commercial accounts. The Solid Waste Team also operates the Landfill, the Household Hazardous WasteFacility and compost sites. Also recognized was the Solid Waste Department’s Rising Star (which is an award honoring employees who have been a Team Fargo member for seven years or less who have consistently gone above and beyond in their service to the community). Solid Waste’s Rising Star, Dustin Halsne, has served in his department for six years. As a Solid Waste Landfill Supervisor, he leads a team of 16 full-time employees and one seasonal employee. Dustin oversees the safe and environmentally-compliant operation of the Fargo Landfill, which processes over 220,000 tons of waste in a year. He also manages composting efforts and The City’s renewable energies program. Dustin’s self-starting attitude and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Solid Waste Department and The City’s broader environmental goals. Congratulations, Dustin!
Fargo Commission Delays Action on Potential Commission Expansion and Full-Time Mayor
Via a 5-0 vote, the City Commission voted to table the discussion of changing the Mayor position from part-time status to full-time designation for 30 days. Also via a 5-0 vote, the City Commission decided to table for 30 days the discussion of potentially adding a question on the June 2026 ballot related to expanding the Commission by two members. The Commission did so to allow for more feedback from residents on these topics.
Fargo Commissioners Re-Appoint Ambrust and Suppes to Four-Year Fargo Dome Authority
By a 5-0 vote, City Commissioners re-appointed Dan Ambrust and David Suppes to four-year terms on the Fargo Dome Authority; their new terms will expire on April 1, 2029. The Authority is comprised of seven members appointed by the Fargo City Commission; Authority members do not receive compensation for their service. Nominations include members from The City of Fargo (2), NDSU Administration (2), the Fargo Park Board (1), the Fargo School Board (1) and the Cass County Commission (1). The Authority is tasked with managing the FARGODOME, adopting an annual budget (which will be subject to the approval of the Fargo City Commission), execute contracts and other instruments necessary for the construction/maintenance/operation of the facility and establish rules & regulations for the rental/operation of the FARGODOME.
If you are interested in applying to serve on City boards, commissions or committees, you are encouraged to visit FargoND.gov/GettingInvolved.
Commission Re-Appoints Cosgriff to Airport Authority for Five Years
Through a 4-1 vote, City Commissioners reappointed John Cosgriff to a five-year term on the Municipal Airport Authority. The Airport Authority is comprised of five members appointed by the City Commission for five-year terms. The Fargo City Commission adopted a Resolution on April 8, 1969 creating an Airport Authority. City Ordinance 26-0102 provides that the care, management supervision and control of the airport shall be under such rules and regulations as the municipal airport authority of the City of Fargo shall prescribe. For more information on Hector International Airport operations (including the exciting construction/expansion project currently underway), please visit FargoAirport.com.
Fargo Residents Utilize Property Tax Exemptions to Make Improvements to Their Homes
In a 5–0 vote, City Commissioners approved several applications for property tax exemptions for certain types of improvements made to existing buildings. This tax program (authorized by North Dakota Century Code 57-02-2). Generally, this is designed to encourage improvements to commercial and residential properties which are 25 years old or more. “Improvement” is meant to signify renovation, remodeling, alteration and — in some cases — additions to existing buildings. The replacement of an existing building is not considered an improvement. More information on this and other programs are available here.