Minot, ND – The Minot City Council met on Tuesday to discuss the potential impact of Governor Armstrong’s property tax reform bill, alongside other legislative proposals that could significantly affect local spending. While no formal motion was made, several council members expressed concerns that the proposed reforms could strip local governments of essential spending power.
Council member Rob Fuller voiced his frustration with the proposed changes, specifically the potential for a “spending gap” that could negatively impact Minot and other cities in the state. “Say ‘Hey, we’re opposed to this gap as a council from Fargo, as a council from Bismarck, as a council from Minot,’ I can’t imagine the state legislature would go against all the major cities saying, ‘Hey, I’m going to gap you guys anyway,’” Fuller remarked, highlighting the collective opposition from larger cities.
Fellow council member Mike Blessum echoed concerns about the state’s approach to property tax reform. He warned that the buy-down cuts—intended to offset property tax increases—would not serve as a comprehensive solution. “I told them you need to get out of the buy-down regime,” said Blessum. He further expressed his opposition to measures capping local spending, suggesting that they were a response to public pressure rather than a true solution to the issue. Blessum also proposed reducing the state sales tax as an alternative, which he believes would allow more revenue to remain locally for essential services such as public safety.
Council member Scott Samuelson argued that Minot, like other cities, should have more control over property tax decisions. “We should have local control, and truly we never have when it comes to property tax; the state dictates how we do it,” Samuelson stated, emphasizing the need for local governments to have greater autonomy in managing their own budgets.
While concerns about the reform bill were raised, Councilwoman Lisa Olson cautioned against making premature decisions. She pointed out that the legislative session was still in its early stages, and the full impact of the proposed changes had yet to be fully understood. “It’s just too much information for anyone at this time to go down to the state legislature and say this is what we want and this is what we don’t want,” Olson said, advising a more cautious approach.
The Minot City Council will continue to meet throughout February to monitor the situation and discuss further actions in response to the bills under consideration in the state legislature. As the legislative session progresses, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will address the concerns raised by local officials and whether the proposed reforms will go forward as initially planned.
