(Spirit Lake)– A local group that serves as a watchdog over property taxes is concerned over a proposal that would allow local governments to implement an income tax, cigarette tax, impact fees on new development and collect money from non-profit groups.
Phil Peterson, President of the Dickinson County Taxpayers Association, says he’s especially concerned over the income tax proposal, saying they don’t see the logic behind it, adding they would like to hear a better explanation as to why it’s needed.
Peterson says they’re also concerned that if it’s adopted, it would more than likely become permanent.
A special state task force issued the new taxing recommendations Wednesday as one possible way to address inequities in the state’s property tax system. They say the new revenue would have to be earmarked strictly for property tax relief.
It’s unknown at this point if such a bill will actually be introduced in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Monday (Jan. 12th).
