News

The votes are in. Moorhead voters approved a 0.5% local option sales tax that will be used to fund a new Community Center/Public Library. The final tally was 8,782 (64.37%) to 4,861 (35.63%). 

“This is such an exciting day for Moorhead. A new community center and public library will serve as the cornerstone of downtown redevelopment and give our citizens a gathering place and information space for generations to come,” said Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson. “I am thankful that our voters recognized the positive impact this project will have on our city and made their support known through their ‘YES’ votes. This will change the trajectory of the City for generations to come!”

Now what happens?

• The 0.5% city sales tax will begin after the City completes procedural steps required by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Moorhead merchants and on-line retailers will collect state sales tax of 7.875% (which includes the new tax) as soon as April 1, 2023. The new tax is projected to yield $1.6 million or more per year dedicated to construction of the community center/public library project. The city sales tax is projected to cost each Moorhead resident about $2 per month.
• Under the direction of the City Council and informed by the Mayor’s Task Force, the process to plan the facility will now become more detailed. Design professionals will be hired, precise location identified, and amenities will be set to a budget in the coming months.

Watch for more information on cityofmoorhead.com/library as it becomes available. Also, sign up for e-notifications on our website and check the “Library/Community Center Project” button to have information sent to you when it is posted.