BISMARCK, N.D. — This fall, North Dakota voters may have the opportunity to significantly abolish property taxes by voting on a proposed ballot measure. While supporters believe the initiative would provide much-needed financial relief, critics argue that its passage could lead to severe reductions in a range of state services.
The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to eliminate property taxes that are based on assessed property values. In its place, it mandates that the Republican-led Legislature find alternative sources to replace the lost revenue. Estimates from a key legislative committee suggest that this replacement would cost around $3.15 billion every two years. This figure is substantial considering North Dakota’s recent approval of a $6.1 billion budget for the state’s general fund over the next two years.
Concerns have been raised regarding possible cuts to essential government services and programs that might result from this revenue replacement. Mike Nathe, a longstanding Republican state representative on the budget committee, expressed his apprehensions, stating, “It would be absolute chaos for the Legislature and for the appropriations process.” Nathe noted that figuring out how to manage this change would be unprecedented and could potentially lead to significant challenges.
Critical funding areas such as Medicaid expansion, hospitals, nursing homes, and educational initiatives could face reductions. In addition, key infrastructure projects may also be jeopardized, according to Don Vigesaa, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. He emphasized that the Legislature might have to consider cuts to state agency budgets and workforce.
However, Rick Becker, the leader behind the initiative, argued that the state has sufficient financial resources to address any revenue gaps without resorting to tax increases or service cuts. Becker pointed out that the state could rely on its significant oil tax savings, about $11 billion, along with funds currently allocated towards “corporate welfare” for private entities. He also noted that revenue projections have turned out to be more favorable than expected.
“We are such a rich state per capita that we can actually make this conversion and afford it without increasing taxes and without cutting services,” Becker remarked, reflecting his confidence in the state’s financial position.
Opposition to the measure has solidified into a coalition of over 100 organizations from various sectors, including agriculture, energy, education, and healthcare. Chad Oban, the coalition’s chairman, characterized the initiative as an overly simplistic approach to a complex problem that requires more careful consideration.
A similar proposition to abolish property taxes was decisively rejected in 2012. Nevertheless, Oban anticipates a tighter result this time due to heightened frustration and changes in the political landscape in North Dakota since then, although he remains optimistic that voters will ultimately reject the current proposal.
Should the ballot measure pass, the state would be mandated to replace property tax revenues at levels assessed for the year 2024. Nonetheless, Oban argues that tax revenue will need to rise in subsequent years to maintain essential services.
To address revenue challenges, Becker suggested that local governments might implement alternative property taxes, as the measure specifically eliminates only the assessed-value taxation. He proposed that cities could introduce infrastructure maintenance fees tied to property characteristics, providing a viable avenue for local revenue generation.
In turn, Oban pointed out potential solutions such as increasing income and sales taxes, introducing new fees, or allowing variations in local taxing methods. Although sales taxes might benefit larger cities like Bismarck and Fargo, rural areas, which may lack sufficient sales tax bases for sustaining their educational and law enforcement funding, could struggle.
Mayor Tim Mahoney of Fargo highlighted the impact of property taxes on the city’s funding, noting that these taxes account for roughly $45 million, or one-third, of the city’s budget. Furthermore, he pointed out that 40% of these funds serve police and fire services. With nearly 200 police officers and 150 firefighters employed, retaining staff with competitive salaries is crucial for the city.
“Even with cost-of-living adjustments and other annual expenses, staying competitive with a fixed revenue stream is difficult,” Mahoney stated, illustrating the fiscal pressures facing local governments.
In the previous legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers enacted a series of income tax reductions and property tax credits estimated to save approximately $515 million. The state is currently experiencing a robust financial outlook, with promising oil and sales tax revenues. If approved, the main components of the measure are expected to take effect on January 1, 2025.