GF County still talking Home Rule Charter

Grand Forks County is looking to adopt a Home Rule Charter in hopes of implementing a sales tax to lessen the impact on future property taxes.

During an administrative services committee meeting County Administrator Tom Ford says a number of counties have gone down this path to either help reorganize departments or open up new revenue streams.

Adopting Home Rule requires a vote of the public.

The timing of the election was the subject of debate.  Commission member Tom Falck says it might to wise to pursue the vote after the correctional center expansion project.  “The opportune time so the public can see how it will help them is to pursue after the mill levy is increased for the correctional center.  At that point we can tell them this is how we can reduce it.”

The commission will continue to discuss Home Rule in early 2022.