Gov. Jack Dalrymple has appointed a task force to look at property tax reform.
Dalrymple says the task force consists of property taxpayers and representatives of cities and counties that levy property taxes. He says while his administration and the Legislature have done a lot for property tax relief, the system of levying property taxes needs some work.
"We can, in the end, expect to simplify our property tax system, provide greater transparency in the budgeting process," said Dalrymple. "And we can also identify opportunities to improve the property tax system."
Dalrymple says he has no pre-conceived notion of what the reforms should look like.
Blake Crosby will represent the League of Cities on that task force. He becomes the League’s new executive director in January.
"I come out of private business, so my term would be, 'what's the return on investment?'" said Crosby. "I agree with the Governor -- nobody understands mill levies. It's a terrible concept. We need to go to the taxpaying citizens and say, this is what you're getting for your money."
Crosby says the system needs to be simpler, more transparent and more understandable.
"When the taxpayer gets the bill, they shouldn't go, 'Oh my God -- I'm going to go broke,'" said Crosby.
The first meeting will be Friday (Dec. 6th). Dalrymple says he wants to have something ready for the 2015 Legislative session.
