Fargo Mayor Fails In Bid For Paid King Holiday

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney's recommendation to give city workers a paid day off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day failed after city commissioners ended up in a tie vote.

KFGO-AM radio reports one commissioner was absent and four commissioners voted 2-2.

Mahoney says racial tensions across the country and a number of other factors are why he suggested the paid holiday for workers. He says it is a federal and state holiday and other cities in the area observe it with a holiday.

Commissioner Tony Gehrig says employees are allowed one flex day and can take it off anytime, including to honor the civil rights leader.

The one-day, paid holiday would cost the city $75,000.

The proposal can be reintroduced when all five commissioners are present.