EGF Greenway fees set to increase

East Grand Forks residents will see the fee they pay for Greenway maintenance double starting in 2022.

Homeowners currently pay a buck a month on utility bills to help maintain Greenway trails.  The council voted to raise that fee to $2 dollars a month – with a 5% annual increase through 2032.

The original trail system was installed in the years 2000-2005 – and the current fee structure falls short of what’s needed to overlay all eleven miles of asphalt on a routine basis.

Council member Clarence Vetter says residents are already facing increases in storm water and sanitation fees next year.  “We are telling our residents we are going to hold the budget to 5% and then on the backside we increase fees.”

Mayor Steve Gander broke a 3-3 council tie on the question casting a “yes” vote.  Under the formula the fee would climb to $3.26 cents by 2032.

—

In an effort to address a growing number of complaints about motorized vehicle traffic in the Greenway the council gave first reading to an ordinance restricting motor vehicle activity.  The penalty provision carries a fine up to $1,000 dollars and or up to 90 days in jail.