Gov. Jack Dalrymple says a task force on property tax reform is working on a comprehensive bill draft for the upcoming legislative session.
Dalrymple told the Legislature’s interim Taxation committee the proposal will address a number of issues – to simplify the property tax system in local governments. He says one of the efforts will be to consolidate and reduce the number of mill levy types.
"We think simplification alone has value," said Dalrymple. "If the taxpayer has some opportunity to understand how taxes are levied and for what purpose, that's an improvement."
Dalrymple says the bill will also set limits on the duration of special mill levies. He says under the proposal, voter-approved mill levies can last for 10 years – and would have to be voted on again if the governing board wants to keep that levy in place.
"We feel this is a good principle," said Dalrymple. "Sometimes, people forget about these mill levies, and everyone loses track about whether it's needed or not."
Dalrymple says the task force will meet again to finalize that proposal.