Dickinson resident questions Legacy Square costs and rising property taxes

During the Dickinson City Board of Equalization meeting on April 9, 2025, residents voiced concerns about rising property taxes and the financial implications of recent city projects. A key topic was the cost of Legacy Square, which was reported to be approximately $6 million, with half of that amount funded through private donations.

Residents questioned whether this expenditure would affect their property taxes, to which city officials confirmed that the property tax budget had remained unchanged for seven years, maintaining a steady intake of $5.7 million. However, some attendees expressed frustration over their personal tax increases, with one resident noting a staggering 29% rise in property taxes since purchasing their home two years ago.

John Schmidt, a recent returnee to Dickinson, highlighted the impact of school funding on the city budget, revealing that 57% of the budget is allocated to schools. He criticized a recent school bond that was passed during a special election, suggesting it was an attempt to bypass public opposition to tax increases.

The discussions underscored a growing concern among residents about the sustainability of property taxes in light of city spending and school funding, raising questions about future financial planning and community engagement in budgetary decisions.