I recently heard presentations by the proponents and opponents of the proposed property tax elimination measure. It is currently in the signature stage of getting on the ballot for the November election.

After the presentations with questions and discussion I feel that we need to oppose the proposed measure now and if it gets on the ballot. To be clear I do believe that there needs to be property tax reform but this proposed measure does not accomplish this. It would hurt our communities, that we are strongly supporting each day. There would be new taxes or fees assessed to make up for some of this loss of revenue.

Local Control – if passed, this measure takes away your voice on what your community needs. The local governing boards in the city, county, school, and park are closest and most accountable to you and more readily can respond to your local needs. Do you want your city to have to go to the legislature to request funding? They would be there along with all other cities in the state requesting funding for their projects.

Constitutional Measure – if passed this would now be in our state's constitution and would be very hard to reverse. It would go into effect this coming January 1 and be hard for local government/schools to figure out funding for 2025. We know the growth that we are experiencing and if passed this would mean the state would pay political subdivisions at the 2024 level in perpetuity.

Out-of-state property owners would pay no tax but still receive the services. They would benefit the most if this were to pass.

Eliminating property taxes will provide ongoing uncertainty for North Dakota's financial picture. Oil revenues already comprise more than 50% of the general fund revenue. When the price and production of oil decrease, there will not be enough revenue to fund general fund priorities (education, human services, economic development) in addition to funding political subdivisions.

Services would be threatened – schools, law enforcement, fire protection, snow removal, parks, and trails – where would we be without these essential services in our communities.

Property taxes cannot be eliminated without an increase in other taxes/fees! In the long run, it would be an elimination of property tax but would be replaced with other taxes/fees that are unknown at this time and could be more costly or harming to communities.

We have good schools in ND – did you know that 30-40% of their budgets come from property tax?

On the surface, this looks like a good thing but once you dig just a little below the surface for more information it is not good for our state and local communities.

In closing, please remember all North Dakota property taxpayers are currently eligible to receive a $500 tax credit for 2024 and 2025 property taxes. Applications are open until March 31, 2024. In addition, more North Dakota seniors are eligible to receive a tax break on their homes. See tax.nd.gov for more information. As stated above we believe property tax reform is needed and our intent is to work with others to help recognize some solutions.

Educate yourself and learn more about this proposed measure and the damaging effects it would have on our communities and state. Remember, in general conversation, it sounds great but the ramifications are damaging. Let's keep it off the ballot.