Grand Forks County property owners could be paying a little bit more in real estate taxes next year.
The Grand Forks County Commission will consider a preliminary budget Tuesday that includes a possible 2.63-mill property tax increase, which is being recommended by the County Board's finance committee.
The County Board meeting begins at 4 p.m. on the Sixth Floor of the County Office Building in downtown Grand Forks.
Here are highlights of the recommended budget proposal, along with the remaining two proposals:
- The plan recommended by the Commission's finance committee that includes a 2.63-mill increase and provides for a 2.5-percent step wage increase on employees' employment anniversary dates.
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- Under this proposal, the real estate taxes on each $100,000 of residential property would increase by $11.39; and $100,000 of commercial or agricultural property by $12.65.
- A 1.23-mill increase that includes no salary increases for county employees.
With no pay raises, taxes on each $100,000 of residential property would rise by $9.59; and $100,000 of commercial or agricultural property by $10.65.
- A 2.82-mill increase that allows for a 2.5-percent wage increase on the anniversary date, plus a 1 percent cost-of-living allowance, effective Jan. 1.
Under this proposal, taxes on $100,000 of residential property would increase by $12.69; and $100,000 of commercial or agricultural property by $14.10.
The budget includes a 2.39-mill increase, from 18.41 mills to 20.80 mills for county social services.
One mill of property taxes collected brings in $192,800 in revenue to the county.
The increase is necessary to pay for additional staff required to handle an increasing case load under federally mandated programs, according to Commissioner Gary Malm, who serves on the finance committee.
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The budget also includes an increase of 1.02 mills for the Red River Joint Water Resources Board, which finances local shares of water projects throughout the North Dakota side of the Red River Valley.
The budget also includes:
- A 1.21-mill increase in the county Social Security and retirement fund.
- A 0.43-mill increase in the county library service fund.
- A 1.93-mill decrease in the county weed board budget.
Reach Bonham at (701) 780-1110; (800) 477-6572, ext. 110; or send e-mail to kbonham@gfherald.com .
