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Minot Council opposes proposed state caps on local levies; directs staff to draft letter
Summary
The Minot City Council voted 6'to— to oppose proposed statewide caps on local budgets/property tax growth and instructed staff to draft a letter for council signature explaining the city's position.
The Minot City Council adopted a formal position Tuesday against proposed state-imposed caps on local levies and budgets, voting 6'to— to oppose measures that would limit local levy growth and to direct city staff to draft a letter outlining the council's concerns for the legislature.
Alderman Scott moved the motion and it was seconded for discussion by Alderman Paul. The council vote recorded a 6'to— majority in favor; Alderman Lisa Olsen opposed the action.
Proponents of the motion described the caps as a restriction on local decisionmaking. "Support tax policy that allows local elected leaders to respond to the needs of their city residents," Alderman Scott said while reading the League of Cities' stated priorities and arguing that local governments, not the state, should retain authority to plan budgets for growth and capital needs.
Alderman Mike and others urged the council to take an early, public stance so Minot officials could testify to legislators and influence bills while committees are forming. Mike said he had already testified in Bismarck and argued that a flat cap would particularly harm smaller jurisdictions that may need larger one-time levy changes for equipment or emergency needs.
A public commenter, Travis Zablotny, urged the council to take a clear position now and not wait to oppose caps. Council members debated whether to wait for more legislative detail; some members said the council should allow time for bills to develop before finalizing a position while others wanted an immediate statement to influence the ongoing session.
The motion as adopted included direction for the city manager and public information office to draft a clear letter stating Minot's opposition to levy caps and to circulate it for the mayor and council signatures. City staff said they would prepare a draft and circulate it to the council for review and execution.
Speakers and council members who participated in the discussion referenced recent testimony in Bismarck, the League of Cities' guidance, and fiscal impacts for local subdivisions should a cap be enacted; no financial appropriation was adopted as part of the motion.
