WEST FARGO — At its meeting Monday, Sept. 22, the West Fargo City Commission approved the city's 2026 final budget well before the Oct. 10 deadline and also reviewed 2024 city audit results.

The city's 2026 budget proposal has changed little since City Administrator Dustin Scott presented the preliminary budget in August, and commissioners viewed the final budget again on Sept. 9.

The city's overall budget of about $71.6 million will increase its general and utility funds, and utility fees will increase about 4.9% in 2026 to help build public works reserve funds.

The proposed 2026 budget did not include any additional city staff, including the hiring of police or fire department staff. The city has built in additional staff to budgets each year for nearly a decade.

"As a team, departm

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