Survey shows public support for GF County Home Rule

A Grand Forks County survey shows public support for changing the County’s government from Statutory Rule to Home Rule.

Home Rule would give the County leeway on adopting laws – and open potential revenue streams.

Nearly 800 people took the survey between June 9^th and July 6^th. Of those, more than 600 live in the city of Grand Forks.

Sixty-five percent agreed or strongly agreed that the County should move ahead with home rule.

“What it says to me is that a Home Rule Charter question on the November ballot will be successful,” said public relations strategist Perry Hibner, who on Tuesday briefed the local home rule committee on the results.

Hibner added, “The question it really boils down to is, what else is included in that Home Rule Charter question?”

The “what-else” is: would voters support a sales tax?

The survey showed 37 percent would support a half-cent tax, with nearly 15 percent supporting a three-quarter cent tax. Forty-two percent would not support a tax.

The county needs money, as the jail and juvenile detention center are strained by aging and occupancy issues. And the sheriff’s office must find a  new home.

The matter could be on the ballot in November.