FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) – Fargo voters will have to vote on another tax measure in November after the City Commission voted 3-2 to put it on the ballot.

The Fargo Fire Department and Police Department would benefit from an amendment to the Home Rule Charter that allows a quarter-percent sales tax to be applied exclusively to their operations. The sales tax would be in effect for 20 years and would generate $8 million annually.

Eric Eisenlohr, president of Fargo Firefighters Local 642, introduced the proposal.

Mayor Tim Mahoney voted against it, saying voters have already been asked to approve a quarter-percent lodging tax and a tax to remodel and expand the Fargodome. He suggested waiting until 2026.

The other no voter was Commissioner Dave Piepkorn.

“Two departments get everything and that ties our hands,” said Piepkorn. “We decide how the budget is drawn up, but now they have intervened and are setting the budget only for themselves. Only two departments. How embarrassing.”

Commissioner John Strand said he was embarrassed that Fargo police officers and firefighters had to come up with creative ways to make a living.

Commissioner Michelle Turnberg praised union members for proposing a solution instead of complaining to the Commission.

If both sales tax increases are approved, the sales tax in Fargo will be 8%.

West Fargo voters approved a half-cent sales tax for police and fire departments in 2022.