Grand Forks County Ends Acceptance of Residential PILOT Projects

(KNOX) – The Grand Forks County Commission has taken a definitive stance on tax incentives, and will look to the legislature for further relief.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Grand Forks County Commission saw the commission vote unanimously to no longer accept applications for PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) tax incentives for residential projects.  This includes single family homes and multi-family projects.

Commissioner Anthony Hodny requested and amendment that would still consider nursing homes and assisted living facilities, which was approved.

The commission will also request that the Legislature repeal the authority given to cities to approve tax incentives and exceptions without approval from other taxing entities.  Currently, cities can issue tax incentives to projects if they are for a limited time, and counties, along with school districts, are bound to the proposal with no chance to act on their own behalf.