Commission approves five‑year, job‑creation tax exemption for Sign Badgers amid questions on jobs and cost

The Fargo City Commission approved a five‑year property tax exemption for Sign Badgers (B2 LLC) to move into the vacant Fargo Brewing building and expand operations in Fargo.

City staff presented the project and recommendation from the Economic Development Incentives Committee citing building reuse and primary‑sector job creation. Applicant Dawson Sheffler said the company currently employs about 14 people, hopes to reach 17 and committed conservatively to creating one new position in the first year and an additional position within three years. Staff reported the exemption would amount to about $34,000 a year for five years as an estimate.

Commissioners asked for specifics about payroll and wages; staff noted current payroll and said wages would be competitive with an initial listed wage above $35 an hour for the first new position. Questions also focused on whether the business could proceed without the tax incentive; the applicant said it would be difficult without it. The motion to grant the exemption passed after roll‑call vote; two commissioners opposed.

The approval includes monitoring commitments and is the standard limited five‑year exemption described by staff. Commissioners requested staff distribute updated county and school incentive policies to the commission for better cross‑jurisdictional context.