FARGO (KFGO) - Discussion about the costs of refugee resettlement got a little heated at last night's Fargo City Commission meeting as a new report on the cost of that resettlement was received and filed.
The report, done by the City Finance Department about the costs to city departments did not offer a lot of specific's because not all departments break down services to refugee's.
Commissioner Dave Piepkorn asked for the report, seeking to get answers on much public money is being spent. Piepkorn has been questioning the taxpayer cost since last September. He says residents should know what the numbers are. Several members of the audience spoke.
Erin Buzik was among those wary of Piepkorn's motives. She said Piepkorn should have approached the issue differently, without accusing people of lying and withholding information. Piepkorn says they did to him. Mayor Tim Mahoney had to step in to break up the debate.
Piepkorn says a legislative study approved this session should supply information on the true costs of refugee resettlement. He believes those costs should be reimbursed by the federal government. A citizens group critical of Piepkorn's criticism of refugee resettlement is expected to turn in petitions later this week calling for the commissioner's recall.
